Beatriz Ewert de Oliveira, Otávio Henrique Junqueira Amorim, L. Lima
Oct 13, 2020
Citations
0
Influential Citations
22
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
Abstract
Abstract Background 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a well-known chemotherapy drug, used for over 70 years in the treatment of several types of cancer. Topically, 5-FU has shown potential effect to treat premalignant and malignant lesions. However, the efficiency of topical 5-FU administration is limited to treat superficial pre-carcinogenic lesions. Objective In this review we present the main characteristics of 5-FU, including its mechanism of action, dissolution, and bioavailability. Moreover, we highlight the delivery systems under development that include 5-FU carriers in topical treatments. Results Microemulsions and nanocarriers have demonstrated significant impact on the bioavailability of 5-FU in vitro and in vivo, increasing the drug effects on deeper layers of the skin, which has shown promising results in the treatment of precancerous and cancerous lesions. According to authors of clinical pilot studies, 5-FU occlusive dressing, 5-FU chemowrap, 5-FU transdermal, and their combination, resulting in a triple therapy, are more effective compared with cream formulation to treat precancer widespread in a skin area. Conclusion: Thus, by this review, we demonstrate that the delivery system under consideration greatly impacts 5-FU effects on the skin.