Actinic Keratosis Questions & Answers

1. Roewert-Huber J, Stockfleth E, Kerl H. Pathology and pathobiology of actinic (solar) keratosis - an update. Br J Dermatol. 2007 Dec. 157 Suppl 2:18-20. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

2. Schwartz RA. Premalignant keratinocytic neoplasms. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1996 Aug. 35(2 Pt 1):223-42. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

3. Schwartz RA, Bridges TM, Butani AK, Ehrlich A. Actinic keratosis: an occupational and environmental disorder. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2008 May. 22(5):606-15. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

4. Frost CA, Green AC, Williams GM. The prevalence and determinants of solar keratoses at a subtropical latitude (Queensland, Australia). Br J Dermatol. 1998 Dec. 139(6):1033-9. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

5. Salasche SJ. Epidemiology of actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000 Jan. 42(1 Pt 2):4-7. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

6. Franceschi S, Levi F, Randimbison L, La Vecchia C. Site distribution of different types of skin cancer: new aetiological clues. Int J Cancer. 1996 Jul 3. 67(1):24-8. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

7. James C, Crawford R, Martika M. Actinic Keratosis. James C, Crawford R, Martika M, Marks R, eds. WHO Pathology and Genetics, Skin Tumors. Lyon: IARC Press; 2006. 30-33.

8. Berhane T, Halliday GM, Cooke B, Barnetson RS. Inflammation is associated with progression of actinic keratoses to squamous cell carcinomas in humans. Br J Dermatol. 2002 May. 146(5):810-5. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

9. Marks VJ. Actinic keratosis. A premalignant skin lesion. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 1993 Feb. 26(1):23-35. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

10. Sanmartin O, Guillen C. Images in clinical medicine. Fluorescence diagnosis of subclinical actinic keratoses. N Engl J Med. 2008 May 8. 358(19):e21. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

11. Spencer JM, Hazan C, Hsiung SH, Robins P. Therapeutic decision making in the therapy of actinic keratoses. J Drugs Dermatol. 2005 May-Jun. 4(3):296-301. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

12. Tutrone WD, Saini R, Caglar S, Weinberg JM, Crespo J. Topical therapy for actinic keratoses, I: 5-Fluorouracil and imiquimod. Cutis. 2003 May. 71(5):365-70. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

13. Tutrone WD, Saini R, Caglar S, Weinberg JM, Crespo J. Topical therapy for actinic keratoses, II: Diclofenac, colchicine, and retinoids. Cutis. 2003 May. 71(5):373-9. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

14. Fuchs J, Thiele J. The role of oxygen in cutaneous photodynamic therapy. Free Radic Biol Med. 1998 Mar 15. 24(5):835-47. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

15. Hantash BM, Stewart DB, Cooper ZA, Rehmus WE, Koch RJ, Swetter SM. Facial resurfacing for nonmelanoma skin cancer prophylaxis. Arch Dermatol. 2006 Aug. 142(8):976-82. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

16. Sherry SD, Miles BA, Finn RA. Long-term efficacy of carbon dioxide laser resurfacing for facial actinic keratosis. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2007 Jun. 65(6):1135-9. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

17. Winton GB, Salasche SJ. Dermabrasion of the scalp as a treatment for actinic damage. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1986 Apr. 14(4):661-8. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

18. Glogau RG. The risk of progression to invasive disease. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000 Jan. 42(1 Pt 2):23-4. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

19. Leffell DJ. The scientific basis of skin cancer. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000 Jan. 42(1 Pt 2):18-22. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

20. Vogelstein B, Kinzler KW. p53 function and dysfunction. Cell. 1992 Aug 21. 70(4):523-6. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

21. Frost CA, Green AC. Epidemiology of solar keratoses. Br J Dermatol. 1994 Oct. 131(4):455-64. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

22. Feldman SR, Fleischer AB Jr, McConnell RC. Most common dermatologic problems identified by internists, 1990-1994. Arch Intern Med. 1998 Apr 13. 158(7):726-30. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

23. Marks R, Rennie G, Selwood TS. Malignant transformation of solar keratoses to squamous cell carcinoma. Lancet. 1988 Apr 9. 1(8589):795-7. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

24. Criscione VD, Weinstock MA, Naylor MF, Luque C, Eide MJ, Bingham SF, et al. Actinic keratoses: Natural history and risk of malignant transformation in the Veterans Affairs Topical Tretinoin Chemoprevention Trial. Cancer. 2009 Jun 1. 115 (11):2523-30. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

25. Backvall H, Asplund A, Gustafsson A, Sivertsson A, Lundeberg J, Ponten F. Genetic tumor archeology: microdissection and genetic heterogeneity in squamous and basal cell carcinoma. Mutat Res. 2005 Apr 1. 571(1-2):65-79. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

26. Nelson MA, Einspahr JG, Alberts DS, et al. Analysis of the p53 gene in human precancerous actinic keratosis lesions and squamous cell cancers. Cancer Lett. 1994 Sep 30. 85(1):23-9. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

27. Fuchs A, Marmur E. The kinetics of skin cancer: progression of actinic keratosis to squamous cell carcinoma. Dermatol Surg. 2007 Sep. 33(9):1099-101. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

28. Cockerell CJ. Histopathology of incipient intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma ("actinic keratosis"). J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000 Jan. 42(1 Pt 2):11-7. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

29. Parrish JA. Immunosuppression, skin cancer, and ultraviolet A radiation. N Engl J Med. 2005 Dec 22. 353(25):2712-3. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

30. Weissenborn SJ, Nindl I, Purdie K, et al. Human papillomavirus-DNA loads in actinic keratoses exceed those in non-melanoma skin cancers. J Invest Dermatol. 2005 Jul. 125(1):93-7. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

31. McBride P, Neale R, Pandeya N, Green A. Sun-related factors, betapapillomavirus, and actinic keratoses: a prospective study. Arch Dermatol. 2007 Jul. 143(7):862-8. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

32. Pfister H, Fuchs PG, Majewski S, Jablonska S, Pniewska I, Malejczyk M. High prevalence of epidermodysplasia verruciformis-associated human papillomavirus DNA in actinic keratoses of the immunocompetent population. Arch Dermatol Res. 2003 Dec. 295(7):273-9. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

33. Black HS, Herd JA, Goldberg LH, et al. Effect of a low-fat diet on the incidence of actinic keratosis. N Engl J Med. 1994 May 5. 330(18):1272-5. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

34. Drake LA, Ceilley RI, Cornelison RL, et al. Guidelines of care for actinic keratoses. Committee on Guidelines of Care. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1995 Jan. 32(1):95-8. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

35. Gloster HM Jr, Neal K. Skin cancer in skin of color. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006 Nov. 55(5):741-60; quiz 761-4. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

36. Cooper JZ, Brown MD. Special concern about squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp in organ transplant recipients. Arch Dermatol. 2006 Jun. 142(6):755-8. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

37. Rowe DE, Carroll RJ, Day CL Jr. Prognostic factors for local recurrence, metastasis, and survival rates in squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, ear, and lip. Implications for treatment modality selection. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1992 Jun. 26(6):976-90. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

38. Green A, Battistutta D. Incidence and determinants of skin cancer in a high-risk Australian population. Int J Cancer. 1990 Sep 15. 46(3):356-61. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

39. Moy RL. Clinical presentation of actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000 Jan. 42(1 Pt 2):8-10. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

40. Pock L, Drlik L, Hercogova J. Dermatoscopy of pigmented actinic keratosis--a striking similarity to lentigo maligna. Int J Dermatol. 2007 Apr. 46(4):414-6. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

41. Gold MH. Pharmacoeconomic analysis of the treatment of multiple actinic keratoses. J Drugs Dermatol. 2008 Jan. 7(1):23-5. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

42. Thompson SC, Jolley D, Marks R. Reduction of solar keratoses by regular sunscreen use. N Engl J Med. 1993 Oct 14. 329(16):1147-51. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

43. GlobeNewswire. Athenex announces FDA approval of Klisyri® (Tirbanibulin) for the treatment of actinic keratosis on the face or scalp. Available at https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/12/15/2145206/0/en/Athenex-Announces-FDA-Approval-of-Klisyri-Tirbanibulin-for-the-Treatment-of-Actinic-Keratosis-on-the-Face-or-Scalp.html. December 15, 2020; Accessed: January 11, 2021.

44. Eaglstein WH, Weinstein GD, Frost P. Fluorouracil: mechanism of action in human skin and actinic keratoses. I. Effect on DNA synthesis in vivo. Arch Dermatol. 1970 Feb. 101(2):132-9. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

45. Gupta AK, Davey V, Mcphail H. Evaluation of the effectiveness of imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil for the treatment of actinic keratosis: Critical review and meta-analysis of efficacy studies. J Cutan Med Surg. 2005 Oct. 9(5):209-14. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

46. Loven K, Stein L, Furst K, Levy S. Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of 0.5% fluorouracil cream and 5% fluorouracil cream applied to each side of the face in patients with actinic keratosis. Clin Ther. 2002 Jun. 24(6):990-1000. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

47. Jorizzo J, Weiss J, Vamvakias G. One-week treatment with 0.5% fluorouracil cream prior to cryosurgery in patients with actinic keratoses: a double-blind, vehicle-controlled, long-term study. J Drugs Dermatol. 2006 Feb. 5(2):133-9. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

48. Stockfleth E, Sterry W, Carey-Yard M, Bichel J. Multicentre, open-label study using imiquimod 5% cream in one or two 4-week courses of treatment for multiple actinic keratoses on the head. Br J Dermatol. 2007 Dec. 157 Suppl 2:41-6. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

49. Hanke CW, Beer KR, Stockfleth E, Wu J, Rosen T, Levy S. Imiquimod 2.5% and 3.75% for the treatment of actinic keratoses: results of two placebo-controlled studies of daily application to the face and balding scalp for two 3-week cycles. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010 Apr. 62(4):573-81. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

50. Ulrich C, Bichel J, Euvrard S, et al. Topical immunomodulation under systemic immunosuppression: results of a multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled safety and efficacy study of imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of actinic keratoses in kidney, heart, and liver transplant patients. Br J Dermatol. 2007 Dec. 157 Suppl 2:25-31. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

51. Ulrich C, Busch JO, Meyer T, et al. Successful treatment of multiple actinic keratoses in organ transplant patients with topical 5% imiquimod: a report of six cases. Br J Dermatol. 2006 Aug. 155(2):451-4. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

52. Lebwohl M, Swanson N, Anderson LL, Melgaard A, Xu Z, Berman B. Ingenol mebutate gel for actinic keratosis. N Engl J Med. 2012 Mar 15. 366(11):1010-9. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

53. Garbe C, Basset-Seguin N, Poulin Y, et al. Efficacy and safety of follow-up field treatment of actinic keratosis with ingenol mebutate 0·015% gel: a randomized, controlled 12-month study. Br J Dermatol. 2016 Mar. Vol 174(3):505-13. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

54. Augustin M, Tu JH, Knudsen KM, Erntoft S, Larsson T, Hanke CW. Ingenol mebutate gel for actinic keratosis: the link between quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015 May. Vol 72(5):816-21. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

55. Rosen RH, Gupta AK, Tyring SK. Dual mechanism of action of ingenol mebutate gel for topical treatment of actinic keratoses: Rapid lesion necrosis followed by lesion-specific immune response. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011 Nov 4. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

56. Boggs W. Ingenol Mebutate Gel Effective for Actinic Keratoses. Medscape. Mar 28 2013. Available at http://Available at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/781629. Accessed: April 8, 2013.

57. Lebwohl M, Shumack S, Stein Gold L, Melgaard A, Larsson T, Tyring SK. Long-term follow-up study of ingenol mebutate gel for the treatment of actinic keratoses. JAMA Dermatol. 2013 Jun. 149(6):666-70. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

58. Jim On SC, Haddican M, Yaroshinsky A, Singer G, Lebwohl M. Reduced degree of irritation during a second cycle of ingenol mebutate gel 0.015% for the treatment of actinic keratosis. Cutis. 2015 Jan. 95(1):47-51. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

59. Remaly J. European marketing of Picato suspended while skin cancer risk reviewed. MDedge. Available at https://www.mdedge.com/dermatology/article/215770/actinic-keratosis/european-marketing-picato-suspended-while-skin-cancer. January 17, 2020; Accessed: January 23, 2020.

60. Berlin JM, Rigel DS. Diclofenac sodium 3% gel in the treatment of actinic keratoses postcryosurgery. J Drugs Dermatol. 2008 Jul. 7(7):669-73. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

61. Kurwa HA, Yong-Gee SA, Seed PT, Markey AC, Barlow RJ. A randomized paired comparison of photodynamic therapy and topical 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of actinic keratoses. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999 Sep. 41(3 Pt 1):414-8. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

62. Patel G, Armstrong AW, Eisen DB. Efficacy of photodynamic therapy vs other interventions in randomized clinical trials for the treatment of actinic keratoses: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Dermatol. 2014 Dec. 150(12):1281-8. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

63. Braathen LR, Szeimies RM, Basset-Seguin N, et al. Guidelines on the use of photodynamic therapy for nonmelanoma skin cancer: an international consensus. International Society for Photodynamic Therapy in Dermatology, 2005. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Jan. 56(1):125-43. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

64. Kaufmann R, Spelman L, Weightman W, et al. Multicentre intraindividual randomized trial of topical methyl aminolaevulinate-photodynamic therapy vs. cryotherapy for multiple actinic keratoses on the extremities. Br J Dermatol. 2008 May. 158(5):994-9. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

65. McLoone N, Donnelly RF, Walsh M, et al. Aminolaevulinic acid diffusion characteristics in 'in vitro' normal human skin and actinic keratosis: implications for topical photodynamic therapy. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2008 Aug. 24(4):183-90. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

66. Tarstedt M, Gillstedt M, Wennberg Larkö AM, Paoli J. Aminolevulinic acid and methyl aminolevulinate equally effective in topical photodynamic therapy for non-melanoma skin cancers. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016 Mar. Vol 30(3):420-23. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

67. Dirschka T, Radny P, Dominicus R, et al. Photodynamic therapy with BF-200 ALA for the treatment of actinic keratosis: results of a multicentre, randomized, observer-blind phase III study in comparison with a registered methyl-5-aminolaevulinate cream and placebo. Br J Dermatol. 2012 Jan. Vol 166(1):137-46. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

68. Dirschka T, Radny P, Dominicus R, et al. Long-term (6 and 12 months) follow-up of two prospective, randomized, controlled phase III trials of photodynamic therapy with BF-200 ALA and methyl aminolaevulinate for the treatment of actinic keratosis. Br J Dermatol. 2013 Apr. Vol 168(4):825-36. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

69. Gholam P, Weberschock T, Denk K, Enk A. Treatment with 5-aminolaevulinic acid methylester is less painful than treatment with 5-aminolaevulinic acid nanoemulsion in topical photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis. Dermatology. 2011. Vol 222(4):358-62. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

70. Thai KE, Fergin P, Freeman M, et al. A prospective study of the use of cryosurgery for the treatment of actinic keratoses. Int J Dermatol. 2004 Sep. 43(9):687-92. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

71. [Guideline] Eisen DB, Asgari MM, Bennett DD, Connolly SM, Dellavalle RP, Freeman EE, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of actinic keratosis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 Apr 2. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. [Full Text].

72. Brunk D. AAD Unveils New Guidelines for Actinic Keratosis Management. Medscape Medical News. Available at https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/950849. May 10, 2021; Accessed: June 3, 2021.

James M Spencer, MD Professor of Clinical Dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Private Practice, Spencer Dermatology

James M Spencer, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, International Society for Dermatologic Surgery

Disclosure: Received grant/research funds from Genentech for independent contractor; Received grant/research funds from DUSA for independent contractor; Received honoraria from Leo Pharmicuticals for review panel membership.

Laura Jordan, DO, MA, MS, MLS Dermatology-Focus Traditional Rotating Intern, UH Regional Hospitals

Laura Jordan, DO, MA, MS, MLS is a member of the following medical societies: American Osteopathic College of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael J Wells, MD, FAAD Dermatologic/Mohs Surgeon, The Surgery Center at Plano Dermatology

Michael J Wells, MD, FAAD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

William D James, MD Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Elsevier; WebMD<br/>Served as a speaker for various universities, dermatology societies, and dermatology departments.

Kelly M Cordoro, MD Assistant Professor of Clinical Dermatology and Pediatrics, Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine

Kelly M Cordoro, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Medical Society of Virginia, Society for Pediatric Dermatology, Women's Dermatologic Society, Association of Professors of Dermatology, National Psoriasis Foundation, Dermatology Foundation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michelle Henry, MD Fellow in Procedural Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Lahey Clinic, Harvard Medical School

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Amy Lynn Basile, DO, MPH Sun Coast Hospital/Largo Medical Center, Largo, Florida

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary Farley, MD Dermatologic Surgeon/Mohs Surgeon, Anne Arundel Surgery Center

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

James Fulton Jr, MD, PhD Medical Director, Fulton Skin Institute

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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