The Efficacy of Intralesional 5- Fluorouracil in Common Wart Treatment

Abstract

Fluorouracil, commonly known as 5-fluorouracil or 5-FU, is an antimetabolite drug that has been widely used in systemic oncology and topical dermatological therapy. In dermatology, 5-FU has an important role in the management of several disorders characterized by abnormal or excessive epidermal proliferation, including actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, keloids, and cutaneous warts. Its mechanism of action depends mainly on inhibition of thymidylate synthase, interference with DNA and RNA synthesis, and induction of cytotoxic effects in rapidly proliferating cells. Common warts are benign epidermal proliferations caused by human papillomavirus infection and may be resistant to conventional treatment modalities. Intralesional administration of 5-FU allows direct delivery of a high concentration of the drug into the wart tissue, thereby enhancing its local therapeutic effect while minimizing systemic exposure. Therefore, intralesional 5-FU represents a promising, cost-effective, and relatively safe therapeutic option for the treatment of common cutaneous warts.