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Therapeutic response of basal cell carcinoma to the immune response modifier imiquimod 5% cream
K R Beutner1, J K Geisse, D Helman
1Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, the Department of Medicine, Sutter Solano Medical Center, Vallejo, Solano Dermatology Associates, Vallejo, CA, USA.
Background:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) responds to interferon therapy. Imiquimod is a cytokine and interferon inducer.
Objective:
This randomized, double-blind pilot trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream versus vehicle in the treatment of BCC.
Methods:
In this population of 35 patients with BCC, 24 received imiquimod 5% cream and 11 received vehicle cream in 1 of 5 dosing regimens for up to 16 weeks. Six weeks after treatment, an excisional biopsy of the target site was performed.
Results:
BCC cleared (on the basis of histologic examination) in all 15 patients (100%) dosed twice daily, once daily, and 3 times weekly; in 3 of 5 (60%) patients dosed twice weekly; 2 of 4 (50%) dosed once weekly; and in 1 of 11 (9%) treated with vehicle. Adverse events were predominantly local reactions at the target tumor site, with the incidence and severity of local skin reactions declining in groups dosed less frequently.
Conclusion:
Imiquimod 5% cream shows clinical efficacy in the treatment of BCC.