Understanding 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and Calcipotriene for Treating Actinic Keratosis and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Actinic keratoses (AK) are rough, sun-damaged patches of skin that can progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Treating AK helps lower the risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), including SCC and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). 5-FU is a topical cream that kills abnormal skin cells by disrupting their DNA, while calcipotriene is a vitamin D–based treatment that helps regulate cell growth and boost immune defense. Used together, they are more effective than either alone, reducing AK lesions by up to 87.8% in just a few days of treatment. Side effects like redness and irritation are usually mild and temporary. This combination therapy offers an effective way to clear precancerous lesions and reduce the risk of future skin cancers.

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