Table 1.

Overview of common topical pharmacological treatments for non-melanoma skin cancer and precancerous lesions.

Therapeutic Agent	Dosage Form	Strength	Brand Names	Mode of Action	Common Indications	Limitations	Physico-Chemical Properties	Ref.
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)	Cream	5%	Efudex® Carac®	Interferes with DNA synthesis by blocking thymidylate synthase	Bowen’s disease (SCC in situ); superficial BCC; AK	Skin irritation; photosensitivity	Log P (−0.85); molecular weight (130.078 g/mol); melting point (291.8 °C)	[31,42]
Imiquimod (IMQ)	Cream	5%	Aldara®	Induces immune response against cancer cells	Superficial BCC; genital warts; AK	Local skin reactions; psoriasis	Log P (2.6); molecular weight (240.30 g/mol); melting point (295 °C)	[37,43]
Diclofenac sodium	Gel	3%	Solaraze®	Inhibits COX-2 enzyme, reducing prostaglandin E2 synthesis	AK	Local skin irritation; digestive adverse events	Log P (4.26); molecular weight (318.13 g/mol); melting point (286 °C)	[44]
Ingenol mebutate	Gel	0.015%	Picato®	Induces local lesion cell death; promotes an inflammatory response	AK	Local skin irritation	Log P (3.12); molecular weight (430.5 g/mol); melting point (153.5 °C)	[45]
Tirbanibulin	Ointment	1%	Klisyri®	Disrupts microtubules by direct binding to tubulin	AK	Local skin irritation; sun sensitivity	Log P (N/A); molecular weight (g/mol); melting point (N/A)	[46]