Which treatment is most effective for superficial basal cell carcinoma?

The most effective treatment for superficial basal cell carcinoma is 5-fluorouracil. This topical chemotherapy agent works by inhibiting DNA synthesis, which is particularly effective against rapidly dividing cells such as those found in basal cell carcinoma. When applied to superficial basal cell carcinoma lesions, 5-fluorouracil leads to the destruction of cancerous cells while generally sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. Because superficial basal cell carcinoma is often limited to the epidermal layers of the skin, 5-fluorouracil is commonly employed for its targeted action and minimal systemic side effects, making it a preferred treatment option for this form of skin cancer.

The other treatments listed are not typically used for superficial basal cell carcinoma. Etoposide, for instance, is a chemotherapy agent primarily used for testicular cancer and certain leukemias. Imatinib is specifically designed to target specific types of cancers, such as chronic myelogenous leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and is not applicable for basal cell carcinoma treatment. Docetaxel, another chemotherapy drug, is mainly indicated for solid tumors like breast or lung cancer and is not a standard treatment for basal cell carcinoma. This specificity for 5-fluorouracil highlights its