Efficacy of nonexcisional treatment modalities for superficially invasive and in situ squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are prevalent conditions that are increasing in incidence worldwide. Many nonexcisional treatments are commonly used, but the efficacy of these treatments has not been well delineated.

Objectives: To examine the recurrence rates of SCCIS and SCC treated with nonexcisional treatment modalities.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed for SCCIS and SCC treated with 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, electrodessication, curettage, photodynamic therapy, ablative lasers, or cryotherapy.

Results: We included 186 studies describing the treatment of 9336 tumors. The recurrence rates of SCC and SCCIS following electrodessication with curettage (2.0%; 95% CI, 1.1-3.0) or following cryotherapy with curettage (1.6%; 95% CI, 0.4-2.8) were lower than those of SCC and SCCIS managed with other treatments, such as photodynamic therapy (29.0%; 95% CI, 25.0-33.0), 5-fluorouracil (26.6%; 95% CI, 16.9-36.4), or imiquimod (16.1%; 95% CI, 10.3-21.8).

Limitations: The limitations included a publication bias in mostly observational data and heterogeneity of treatment regimens.

Conclusions: Electrodessication and cryotherapy, in combination with curettage, are more effective than photodynamic therapy, 5-fluorouracil, or imiquimod in treating SCCIS and SCC.