Comparing Topical Treatments for Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Superficial basal cell carcinoma is a type of keratinocyte carcinoma that has increasing incidence and substantial morbidity. Jansen et al. report on a randomized trial with 5 years of follow-up that found imiquimod to be more effective than 5-fluorouracil or methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy in preventing superficial basal cell carcinoma recurrence. However, the toxicity and cost of topical treatments, as well as patient preferences, need to be evaluated when making treatment decisions in clinical practice.