Tumors of the skin. VI. Study on effects of local administration of 5-fluorouracil in basal cell carcinoma.

Exploratory studies on topical administration of 20% 5-Fluorouracil in hydrophilic base were carried out in 36 solitary nodular basal cell carcinomas. Under the conditions of this study, tumor resolution lasting through an observation period of 20 months was observed in 21 study sites, although changes in the natural course of lesions were present in all the tumors. Topical administration of anti-tumor agents is not suitable for clinical management of solitary basal cell carcinoma at the present. Further evaluation as an investigative approach in studies on chemotherapy and tumor biology may be warranted.