5-FLUOROURACIL

TOPICAL  5% FLUOROURACIL CREAM IN THE TREATMENT OF PLANTAR WARTS: A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED, AND CONTROLLED CLINICAL STUDY

Author(s): Salk RS, Grogan KA, Chang TJ

Source: Journal of Drugs in Dermaology: JDD. 5(5):418-24,2006 May.

Abstract

Topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antineoplastic antimetabolite that inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis, thereby preventing cell replication and proliferation. This mechanism of action may allow topical 5-FU to be utilized in the treatment of human papilloma virus (HPV). We conducted a study comparing 5% 5-FU cream under tape occlusion versus tape occlusion alone in 40 patients presenting with plantar warts. Nineteen out of 20 patients (95%) randomized to 5% 5-FU with tape occlusion had complete eradication of all plantar warts within 12 weeks of treatment. The average time to cure occurred at 9 weeks of treatment. Three patients (15%) had recurrence at the 6 month follow-up visit; accordingly, an 85% sustained cure rate was observed. It is concluded that use of topical 5% 5-FU cream for plantar warts is safe, efficacious, and accepted by the patient.

5% 5-FLUOROURACIL CREAM FOR TREATMENT OF VERRUCA VULGAIS IN CHILDREN

Author(s):  Julie Akiko Gladsjo M.D., Ph.D. Alessandra B. Alió Sáenz M.D., James Bergman M.D., Greg Kricorian M.D., Bari B. Cunningham M.D.

Source: Pediatric Dermatology Volume 26, Issue 3, pages 279–285, May/June 2009

Abstract

Warts are a common pediatric skin disease. Most treatments show only modest benefit, and some are poorly tolerated because of pain. 5-fluorouracil interferes with deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid synthesis, and is used to treat genital warts in adults. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of topical 5% 5-fluorouracil for treatment of common warts were examined in an open-label pilot study with pediatric patients. Thirty-nine children who have at least two hand warts applied 5% 5-fluorouracil cream (Efudex, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International) once or twice daily, under occlusion for 6 weeks. Assessment of treatment response and side effects was performed at baseline, treatment completion, and 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Hematology measures, liver function tests, and medication blood levels were reassessed at treatment completion. Eighty-eight percent of treated warts improved after 6 weeks of treatment, and 41% of subjects had complete resolution of at least one wart. Treatment response did not differ between once or twice daily applications. Tolerability and patient satisfaction were excellent. No subject had clinically significant blood levels of 5-fluorouracil. At 6 month follow-up, 87% of complete responders had no wart recurrence. Topical 5% 5-fluorouracil is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment for warts in children

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