JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common premalignant skin lesion and topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is commonly used field-directed therapy. However, 5-FU is associated with frequent local skin reactions.

Objective:

To qualitatively assess experience in those who refuse treatment with 5-FU.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 10 adult participants who had received treatment with 5-FU for AK between 1/1/2017 and 1/1/2020 and refused future treatment with 5-FU. Results were analyzed using qualitative research methods.

Results:

Although most participants had low concern when receiving a diagnosis of AK, most felt treatment was very important. When initiating treatment with 5-FU, most cited the recommendation by their healthcare professional as the primary motivator and initially had low concern with treatment. Most participants experienced difficulty with the physical burden of treatment, which caused lifestyle adjustments and a negative psychosocial impact. After treatment, most did not believe their HCP prepared them for treatment or were unsure. While half the participants felt 5-FU helped treat AKs, half were either unsure, due to premature discontinuation, or did not think 5-FU treated their AKs.

Conclusions:

5-FU is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for AKs. Although participants considered treatment important, most considered the side effects of 5-FU were not worth the benefits, and most experienced both a physical and psychosocial burden secondary to treatment. Moreover, participants were either unsure or were not adequately prepared for treatment. Although our study was limited by input from participants who refused future treatment with 5-FU, most stated they would still continue to seek treatment for AKs in the future, and would consider other topical treatments, especially if associated with a milder AE profile. Non-adherence to treatment is a major cause of resistant disease and is a major hurdle in the treatment of skin conditions. Inability to assess efficacy due to premature discontinuation secondary to 5-FU related AEs was a common theme in our cohort. Counseling patients on the benefits and risks of a medication, in addition to therapeutic alternatives, may increase adherence and improve outcomes.