Chemotherapy for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

 

Medication that kills cancer cells can be applied in a lotion or cream that is applied directly to the skin. This is called topical chemotherapy. This treatment may be chosen when the area affected by cancer is very large. Topical chemotherapy may produce side effects that include redness, swelling, itching, and burning. The drugs most often used for topical chemotherapy of non-melanoma skin cancer include the following:

  • Aldara® (imiquimod) is used topically to treat various types of skin cancer. It works by activating certain cells of the body’s immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells.
  • Efudex® and Fluoroplex® (5-fluorouracil, or 5-FU) are topical formulations of a commonly used anticancer drug. It works by disrupting the growth of cancer cells.
  • Alpha-interferon can be injected directly into cancerous lesions, causing them to regress. This drug works by activating the body’s immune system to destroy the cancer cells.

In advanced cases—most often in advanced squamous cell carcinoma—chemotherapy may consist of medication taken intravenously (by vein) (IV). Intravenous chemotherapy may cause nausea and vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, a low blood count, and other symptoms. These side effects usually disappear after treatment. The drugs used for intravenous chemotherapy of advanced non-melanoma skin cancer include the following: 

  • Platinol® (cisplatin) is a commonly used cancer drug that may be used alone or combined with doxorubicin or 5-fluorouracil to treat metastatic cases of non-melanoma skin cancer.
  • Adriamycin® (doxorubicin) is one of a family of anti-cancer drugs that work by stopping cancer cells’ ability to multiply and grow. Doxorubicin may be combined with cisplatin in cases of advanced non-melanoma skin cancer.
  • 5-Fluorouracil is a commonly used anticancer drug administered in IV form. It may be used in combination with cisplatin.
  • Mutamycin® (mitomycin) is used to treat squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, lungs, and cervix.

This content has been reviewed and approved by Myo Thant, MD.

This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.
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