5FU-FITS Audit: 5FU Focused Intralesional Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Author : Kyle R Joseph

Abstract : Background: Intralesional 5-fluorouracil (5FU) injectable therapy is a viable non-surgical alternative for treating cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), particularly in elderly and medically fragile patients who may not tolerate surgical excision, or who have risk factors for poor wound healing. This study focuses on identifying the factors that predict successful lesion resolution, aiming to refine patient selection criteria and optimize treatment protocols for better clinical outcomes. Methods: We assessed 31 elderly patients treated with intralesional 5FU due to SCC on their lower legs at a specialised surgical clinic. Data included patient demographics, injection patterns (frequency and volume) and treatment outcomes. Outcomes were categorised as resolved, unresolved, or requiring additional interventions such as surgery or radiation. Logistic regression and correlation analyses were employed to identify factors associated with lesion resolution. Predictors such as age, sex, number of injection visits, and total volume of 5FU were analysed against resolution outcomes. Results: Of the 31 patients (mean age 83.9 ± 8.2 years; 18 males, 13 females), 65% achieved complete lesion resolution. Patients with resolved lesions required an average of 1.8 injection visits and 2.1 total injections. Logistic regression identified the total number of injections as the strongest predictor of resolution, with higher injection volumes correlating positively with successful outcomes (p < 0.05). Age and gender showed no significant impact on resolution rates. Conclusion: The findings indicate that treatment outcomes are primarily influenced by the total number of injections, with demographic factors and the frequency of clinical visits playing a lesser role. This highlights the potential of flexible, individualized dosing strategies to achieve favourable outcomes in a high-risk group of patients.

Keywords : Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Intralesional 5-Fluorouracil, Non-Surgical Treatment, Elderly Patients, Treatment Outcomes, Lesion Resolution, Predictive Factors, Individualized Therapy

Conference Name : International Conference on Cancer Research and Diagnostics (ICCRD - 25)

Conference Place : Melbourne, Australia

Conference Date : 31st Dec 2025