5-fluorouracil iontophoretic therapy for Bowen's disease.

Abstract

Topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an accepted therapy for Bowen's disease. Recurrences with this method have been attributed to deep follicular involvement and poor patient compliance because of the prolonged treatment time required. We sought to determine whether iontophoresis of 5-FU is an effective therapy for Bowen's disease. Twenty-six patients with biopsy-proven Bowen's disease received eight 5-FU iontophoretic treatments in 4 weeks. Local excision was done 3 months after the last treatment. The specimens were step-sectioned and evaluated for any histologic evidence of bowenoid changes. Only 1 of 26 patients showed histologic evidence of Bowen's disease 3 months after treatment. 5-FU iontophoresis appears to be a safe, effective, and well-tolerated therapy for Bowen's disease.