IMIQUIMOD 5% CREAM HAS BEEN SHOWN TO BE effective in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinomas (sBCCs). In this study, investigators evaluated the efficacy, safety and compliance of imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of sBCCs and nodular BCCs (nBCCs) in patients affected by basal cell nevus syndrome.
Three patients with a total of 9 tumors (five sBCCs and four nBCCs), all ranging in size from 0.5 cm to 1 cm, were treated. Treatment consisted for sBCCs of three weekly applications and for nBCCs of five weekly applications of imiquimod 5% cream for 8 weeks. Histological examination was performed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Follow-up was performed at 1-week intervals.
Three sBCCs cleared clinically after 4 weeks of treatment and two nBCCs after 8 weeks. The remaining four lesions showed excellent clinical responses with evident (>50%) size reduction at 6 weeks, but no further improvement. Histological examination with multiple-step sections confirmed complete clearing for those lesions showing clinical resolution, except for one nBCC that showed scant tumor remnants. Local adverse effects (itching, erythema, and bleeding) were mild and did not prompt discontinuation of treatment. No systemic side effects were noted, Imiquimod 5% cream may be an effective therapeutic option for both sBCC and nBCC in patients with basal cell nevus syndrome.
Micali G, De Pasquale R, Caltabiano R, Impallomeni R, Lacarrubba F. Topical imiquimod treatment of superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas in patients affected by basal cell nevus syndrome: a preliminary report. J Dermatolog Treat 2002: Sep; 13(3):123-7.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Journal of Drugs in Dermatology
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
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