Field treatments for skin cancer medicine

The Field Treatments for Skin Cancer Medicine course equips healthcare professionals with the tools to effectively treat keratinocyte skin cancers and actinic keratosis through field-directed therapies. This single-unit course provides detailed knowledge on treatment options, their mechanisms of action, and practical applications.

Participants will learn about the progression of actinic keratosis into invasive squamous cell carcinoma, the concept of field cancerisation, and the importance of early intervention. The course covers key field-directed treatments, including:
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Explores its use in treating and preventing skin cancer. Conventional and daylight PDT are discussed, highlighting their efficacy, application methods, and cosmetic outcomes.
- Ingenol Mebutate: A rapid, short-course therapy effective for localised areas, with insights into its dual mechanism of action and expected local skin reactions.
- Imiquimod Cream: Focuses on its immune-modulatory effects for keratinocyte dysplasia, actinic keratosis, and basal cell carcinoma, emphasising its selective action on dysplastic cells.
- 5-Fluorouracil: An established treatment for actinic keratosis, discussed in detail with its various formulations and tolerability.
- Diclofenac Sodium Gel: A well-tolerated, longer-course treatment for actinic keratosis, often used as an adjunct to other therapies like cryosurgery.

The course also highlights the challenges of treating immunosuppressed patients and provides a thorough analysis of side effects, patient compliance, and the relative efficacy of different treatments. Through clinical examples and studies, participants will gain practical skills to apply these therapies effectively, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

This course is essential for practitioners looking to expand their expertise in skin cancer medicine, offering a holistic and evidence-based approach to field treatments.