Is the injectable 5-fu for keloids safe ?

Question

I found a doctor that uses the combo 5 fu plus kenalog to treat keloids but i was wondering why there are so few doctors that use this treatmet ,it cause is not safe ? Hidden side effects ? Im afraid that the doc wont tell me the truth wanting me to pay him money regardless of my health safety. Any idea if its safe ?

Answer 1

I believe there is an other safer method you may want to discuss with your doctor. The best initial treatment is to inject long-acting cortisone (steroid) into the keloid once a month. After several injections with cortisone, the keloid usually becomes less noticeable and flattens in three to six month's time. Hypertrophic scars often respond completely, but keloids and are notoriously difficult to treat, with recurrences commonly seen. People who have a family history of keloids have a higher rate of recurrence after treatment.

Referenced from:  

http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_di...

There is a lot more at the link above.

Answer 2

I am pasting the information about 5 FU.  You should discuss any questions you have with your oncologist, then make up your mind.

5-FU is one of the oldest chemotherapy drugs, and has been around and in use for decades.  It is an active medicine against many cancers. 5-FU is a clear and colorless liquid, and is given by intravenous route. It is also available in a crème form for treatment of skin cancer. It is most commonly used in treatment of the following cancers:

Colon

Breast

Stomach

Pancreas

The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. 5-FU may be given as a continuous intravenous infusion, over 4-5 days, or given on a scheduled basis, (e.g. once a week, or once every 3-4 weeks, etc.)

Side effects:

5-FU is normally administered by intravenous route. The life span of 5-FU in blood and body tissues is very short and limited to minutes. 5-FU binds to an enzyme inside of the cancer cells called Thymidilate Synthetase and thereby exerts its anti cancer effect on the cells. Leucovorin enhances the binding of 5-FU to this enzyme and as a result prolongs the life span of 5-FU within the cancer cells, resulting in a greater anti cancer effect. The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of 5-FU. Some patients have deficiency of an enzyme (DPD Deficiency) that is crucial for the metabolism and deactivation of 5-FU.  Such patients suffer from sever side effects with smallest doses  and often the very first dose of 5-FU.  

Following are some of the most common and important ill effects:

Soreness of the mouth, difficulty swallowing

Diarrhea

Stomach pain

Low white blood counts

Low platelet counts

Anemia

Sensitive skin (to sun exposure)

Excessive tear formation from the eyes

It is imperative that patients relay any side effects or problems to their medical oncologist.