Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Pre-care and After-care for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis: An Australian and New Zealand Perspective (#514)

Aaron Boyce 1 , AJ Seine 2 3 , John O'Byren 4 5 , Solange Green 6 , Jeremy Hudson 7 8 9 , Phil Thong 10 11 12 , Louise Reiche 13 , Jim Siderov 14 , Ryan De Cruz 15 16 17 , Pascale Guitera 18 19
  1. 1Department of Dermatology, Townsville University Hospital , Douglas, Queensland , Australia
  2. Skin Centre , Tauranga , New Zealand
  3. Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Lakes , Ro
  4. General Practioner , Body Scan Skin Cancer Clinic , Sunshine Coast , Queensland , Australia
  5. School of Medicine , Griffith University , Sunshine Coast , New Zealand
  6. The Melanoma Centre , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
  7. Adj A/Prof , Souther Cross University , Lismore , New South Wales , Australia
  8. Senior Lecturer , James Cook University , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
  9. Clinical Director , North Queensland Skin Centre , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
  10. Department of Dermatology , St Vincent's Hospital , Sydney , NSW, Australia
  11. The Skin Hospital , Sydney , NSW , Australia
  12. Department of Dermatology , Royal North Shore Hospital , Sydney , NSW , Australia
  13. Kauri Healthcare , Pal
  14. Jim Siderov , Austin Health , Heidelberg , VIC, Australia
  15. Southern Dermatology , Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  16. The Royal Melbourne Hospital , Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  17. The Skin Health Institute , Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  18. Dermatologist, Faculty of Melanoma Institute Australia and the University of Sydney , Sydney , NSW, Australia
  19. Dermatologist, Director of the Sydney Melanoma Diagnostic Centre, Sydney , NSW, Australia

AIM/INTRODUCTION:

Actinic keratosis (AK) is one of the most common diseases in Australia and New Zealand, affecting up to 40% of patients. Moreover, >60% of squamous cell carcinomas originate from AK lesions.

Early detection is key to preventing disease progression; however saturation of the healthcare system may prevent patients from accessing timely care. It is therefore important to ensure that healthcare professionals are educated on a standardised regimen for pre-care and post-procedural care of AK patients. Although many healthcare professionals share similar recommendations, no standardised guidelines currently exist for skin maintenance through the AK patient journey.

 

Method:
A panel of healthcare professionals—composed of dermatologists, oncologists, general practitioners, and a clinical pharmacist—convened to develop guidelines for AK patients. Key patient needs were considered including the treatment type and stage.  

Results:
The consensus sets forth specialised recommendations for pre-care and after-care of patients undergoing AK treatment. These guidelines find that maintenance of the skin barrier is crucial throughout each stage of treatment, which is achieved with the use of a pH-balanced moisturiser and cleanser, and restorative skin barrier creams containing panthenol.

The importance of photoprotection with the use of SPF 50+ UVA/UVB sunscreen was emphasized by the panel as a key strategy for after-care of patients and for prevention of AK relapse. Further prevention strategies include the use of retinoids or OTC medications such as nicotinamide.

 

Conclusion/DISCUSSION:
These guidelines will assist healthcare professionals across various specialties to provide their patients with appropriate advice for AK patients and may alleviate the burden on the healthcare system.

 

ABBREVIATIONS: AK- actinic keratosis; SPF- sun protection factor; UV- ultraviolet