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Image by Michael Longmire

Studies find combination topical immunotherapy has a cure rate above 95%

When I started my practice in 2007, I looked for a low-cost alternative to skin cancer surgery. Dermatologists in Australia, Europe, and the UK were using Imiquimod 5% Cream, sometimes with 5-Fluorouracil, to treat basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.

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Adding Tretinoin 0.1% Cream to the combination, I created "The Shen Cocktail." Tretinoin 0.1% Cream peels the top layer of skin. Imiquimod 5% Cream and 2% 5-Fluorouracil signal an immune response to attack cancerous and precancerous skin cells.

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I've used "The Shen Cocktail" on over 5,000 patients over a ten-year period. Researchers at University of Miami have concluded the cure rate for this combination topical immunotherapy is 99%.

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John T. Shen, M.D.

Research: About

Atypical Fibroxanthoma Treated with a Topical Combination of Imiquimod, Tazarotene, and 5-Fluorouracil

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) December 5, 2023 / Accepted: February 21, 2024

Facial Field Therapy

JOURNAL OF DRUGS IN DERMATOLOGY, MAY 2023, VOLUME 22, ISSUE 5

Before and After Photo

Facial Field Therapy Treatment Results

A Non-Surgical and Cost-Effective Treatment Approach Employing Topical Imiquimod, 5-Fluorouracil, and Tretinoin for Primary Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, March 2021

Combination Topical Chemotherapy for the Treatment of an Invasive Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Case report in February 2020, Volume 19, Issue 2 of Journal of Drugs in Dermatology

Treating Keratinocyte Carcinomas with a Combination of Imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, and Tretinoin Using Store-and-forward Telemedicine in the Age of Coronavirus Disease 2019 to Promote Social Distancing

Case Series, Volume 6, Issue 9, Pages 931-934
September 01, 2020, JAAD Case Reports

Treating Melanoma in Situ During a Pandemic with Telemedicine and a Combination of Imiquimod, 5-Fluorouracil, and Tretinoin

Dermatology and Therapy, January 17, 2021

Podcast: Effective, Non-Surgical Treatment for Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Learn Skin with Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar

The treatment of Melanoma In Situ with Telemedicine and a Combination of Imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, and Tretinoin

San Diego Dermatology Symposium, June 11-13 2021

Cost-efficient and Non-surgical Method for Treating Primary Keratinocyte Carcinomas with a Combination of Topical Imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil and Tretinoin

San Diego Dermatology Symposium, June 11-13, 2021

Non-Invasive Treatment of Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head or Neck

Poster presentation at the 2018 Annual Meeting of
The American Academy of Dermatology

The Progression of Dyspigmentation in Patients with Skin of Color Treated with Combination Therapy of Imiquimod,
5-Fluorouracil, and Tretinoin for Keratinocyte Carcinomas

Poster presentation at Skin of Color Update 2022 in NYC

Research: Features
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