A feasibility study of microwave therapy for precancerous actinic keratosis

D. N. Jackson, F. J. Hogarth, D. Sutherland, E. M. Holmes, P. T. Donnan, C. M. Proby (Lead / Corresponding author)

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)
167 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common premalignant skin lesion that can progress to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Microwave therapy is an established cancer treatment and has been used for plantar viral warts.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of microwave as a treatment for AK.

Methods: Stage I was a dose-setting study, in which seven participants had the dielectric properties of 12 thick and 22 thin AKs assessed for optimization of the microwave dose used for treatment in Stage II. Stage II was a randomized, internally controlled trial evaluating 179 AKs in 11 patients (93 treated, 86 untreated controls) on the scalp/forehead or dorsal hand. Participants received one treatment initially and a repeat treatment to unresolved AKs at week 4. The response was assessed at six visits over 4 months. The primary outcome was partial or complete resolution of the treated AKs.

Results: A significantly higher proportion of treated AK areas responded than untreated (90% vs. 15%; P < 0·001). Thin AKs were more responsive than thick AKs. The site did not affect efficacy. Pain was severe, but brief (80% reported pain lasting ‘a few seconds only’). Adverse effects were minimal (erythema, n = 6; flaking, n = 3; itch, n = 3). All participants who would chose microwave therapy over their current treatment cited the shorter discomfort period.

Conclusions: Microwave therapy is a portable, safe and effective treatment for AK. An easy-to-deliver, acceptable therapy for AK is attractive as a prevention strategy. While these results are promising, a larger randomized controlled trial is needed against an effective comparator to confirm clinical efficacy and patient acceptability.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)222-230
Number of pages9
JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology
Volume183
Issue number2
Early online date6 Feb 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Aug 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology

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