New therapy shows promise in clearing precancerous skin lesions and lowering cancer risk

A new study shows that a combination of calcipotriol and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) can effectively clear precancerous skin lesions and reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This therapy activates immune pathways, providing long-lasting protection. The research involved 18 patients with actinic keratosis (AK), a precursor to SCC. After treatment, AKs decreased by 95% on the face, with complete clearance in 70% of participants. The therapy also increased specific immune cells that help fight cancer. This study highlights the Th2 immune response as crucial for the therapy's effectiveness. The findings suggest that this approach could be a promising strategy for preventing skin cancer, offering a more affordable and less toxic option compared to traditional treatments.