Which topical chemotherapy agent is commonly used to treat skin cancers?

Which topical chemotherapy agent is commonly used to treat skin cancers?

• A. Fluorouracil
• B. Doxorubicin
• C. Vincristine
• D. Cisplatin

Answer: (A)

Topical chemotherapy for skin cancers uses agents that act directly on abnormal skin cells with limited systemic exposure. Fluorouracil is a pyrimidine analog that inhibits thymidylate synthase, disrupting DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells. When applied to the skin, it targets dysplastic and malignant keratinocytes, causing cell death and shedding of the affected epidermis. This makes it a common topical option for actinic keratoses and superficial skin cancers, where local control is desired with relatively low systemic toxicity. The other agents listed are typically given systemically and are not standard topical treatments for skin cancers; they work through different mechanisms and would bring systemic toxicity if used topically.

Topical chemotherapy for skin cancers uses agents that act directly on abnormal skin cells with limited systemic exposure. Fluorouracil is a pyrimidine analog that inhibits thymidylate synthase, disrupting DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells. When applied to the skin, it targets dysplastic and malignant keratinocytes, causing cell death and shedding of the affected epidermis. This makes it a common topical option for actinic keratoses and superficial skin cancers, where local control is desired with relatively low systemic toxicity.

The other agents listed are typically given systemically and are not standard topical treatments for skin cancers; they work through different mechanisms and would bring systemic toxicity if used topically.