Efficacy and Safety of Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (Gardasil) Versus 5-Fluorouracil in the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor of Dermatology, Venereology, and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig university

2 MBBCH, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University

3 Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Venereology, and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig university

Abstract

Background: The most recent studies indicate that Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination could have the potential to treat squamous cell cancer, basal cell carcinoma, genital, cutaneous warts. We aimed to assess efficacy as well as the safety of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine (GARDASIL) versus 5-fluorouracil in treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Methods: This clinical trial has been performed on 20 patients with confirmed diagnosis of BCC, they were subdivided into two equal groups (n=10 for each), Group I: were treated with intralesional injections of Gardasil (0.2 - 0.5 ml) based on size of the lesions. The injections were administered every two weeks for a total of five sessions, Group II: were treated with intralesional injections of 0.3 ml 5-flourouracil (50 mg/ml) using an insulin syringe every two weeks for a total of five sessions. Assessment of therapeutic response, as well as adverse events were done at the end of treatment.

Results: The treatment response observed in the studied cohorts revealed a statistically significant improvement, with a higher proportion of marked complete responses in the 5-Fluorouracil group compared to the Gardasil HPV vaccine group (p = 0.004). This highlights the effectiveness of 5-Fluorouracil in achieving higher response rates among participants. Pain during injection was common in both groups it was (mild and tolerable). Mild headache was the most common constitutional manifestation associated with Gardasil vaccine.

Conclusion: Intralesional 5-fluorouracil seems to be good therapeutic option for BCC, particularly for patients seeking less invasive treatments. While GARDASIL showed limited effectiveness in treating BCC

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Zagazig University Medical Journal
Volume 31, Issue 4
April 2025
Pages 1711-1720

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