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Topical Chemotherapy

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Non-Surgical Treatment of Keratinocyte Skin Cancer

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In this chapter, the author has attempted to show the relative efficacy of topical chemotherapies that have shown some success particularly in the treatment of actinic keratoses and intraepidermal carcinomas. One can conclude that none of the topical therapies is completely effective. Combinations of topical therapies such as chemical peel or topical retinoids can make some of these treatments more effective. Many studies are not without bias even when a double-blind approach is attempted, because of the inflammation and irritant response that can occur after applying these agents. Further studies with pulse therapies, peeling agents with the topical chemotherapies, and topical retinoids in combination with these forms of therapy are warranted, since the topical chemotherapies have a definite role in the treatment of precancerous or in situ forms of non-melanoma skin cancer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin, 54449, USA

    Donald J. Miech

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  1. Donald J. Miech
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Correspondence to Donald J. Miech .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Dermatology, University of Copenhagen, Roskilde Hospital, Køgevej 7-13, Roskilde, 4000, Denmark

    Gregor B. E. Jemec

  2. Dept. Dermatology & Allergology, University of Szeged, Korányi Fasor 6, Szeged, 6720, Hungary

    Lajos Kemeny

  3. Dept. Dermatology, Marshfield Clinic, 1000 N. Oak Ave., Marshfield, WI, 54449, USA

    Donald Miech

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Miech, D.J. (2010). Topical Chemotherapy. In: Jemec, G.B.E., Kemeny, L., Miech, D. (eds) Non-Surgical Treatment of Keratinocyte Skin Cancer. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-79341-0_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-79341-0_11

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-79340-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-79341-0

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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