BACKGROUND: Ingenol mebutate gel is a topical field treatment for actinic keratosis (AK) approved for a 2- or 3-day duration of application. OBJECTIVE: This chart review examined the efficacy and safety of ingenol mebutate gel for treatment of AK in patients from a community dermatology practice. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients with AK treated with ingenol mebutate gel. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients with a prolonged history of AK were treated from April 2012 to January 2013. The majority received cryosurgery to all visible lesions, followed 2 weeks later by ingenol mebutate; areas treated with ingenol mebutate were typically >25 cm² in size. Local skin reactions, consisting of mild to moderate erythema and flaking/scaling, were significantly improved by 1 week after peak inflammation and were not treated in most patients. At 1 to 4 months after treatment of AKs on the face, nearly all patients (99%) achieved ≥75% clearance of baseline and emergent AKs. After treatment of AKs on the scalp or forearm and/or hand, >80% of patients demonstrated ≥75% clearance. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective chart review of patients from a single practice. CONCLUSION: Ingenol mebutate is an effective, well-tolerated topical treatment for AK in sun-damaged skin.
BACKGROUND:Ingenol mebutate gel is a topical field treatment for actinic keratosis (AK) approved for a 2- or 3-day duration of application. OBJECTIVE: This chart review examined the efficacy and safety of ingenol mebutate gel for treatment of AK in patients from a community dermatology practice. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients with AK treated with ingenol mebutate gel. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients with a prolonged history of AK were treated from April 2012 to January 2013. The majority received cryosurgery to all visible lesions, followed 2 weeks later by ingenol mebutate; areas treated with ingenol mebutate were typically >25 cm² in size. Local skin reactions, consisting of mild to moderate erythema and flaking/scaling, were significantly improved by 1 week after peak inflammation and were not treated in most patients. At 1 to 4 months after treatment of AKs on the face, nearly all patients (99%) achieved ≥75% clearance of baseline and emergent AKs. After treatment of AKs on the scalp or forearm and/or hand, >80% of patients demonstrated ≥75% clearance. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective chart review of patients from a single practice. CONCLUSION:Ingenol mebutate is an effective, well-tolerated topical treatment for AK in sun-damaged skin.