5% topical imiquimod tolerance in transplant recipients

Topical imiquimod is a new immunomodulator agent approved for genital warts, actinic keratosis (AK) or carcinoma, occurring in immunocompetent patients.

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of imiquimod for the treatment of warts, AK and bowenoid papulosis (BP) in transplant patients.

24 transplant patients (18 kidney, 4 kidney-pancreas and 2 heart) were included in this retrospective study conducted between June 2000 and February 2003 at the department of dermatology of 3 hospitals. Imiquimod cream was applied 3 times a week over a median period of 9 weeks.

Graft function was not altered under therapy. Local tolerance was excellent. Complete responses were observed in 1 patient (1/12) with cutaneous warts and 1 (1/6) with AK. Two patients of 3 with BP had total clearance of their lesions. Partial responses were observed in 3 of the 6 AK-treated patients, 5 of 12 patients with cutaneous warts and 1 of 2 patients with anogenital warts.

Imiquimod 5% cream is a promising, well-tolerated therapy for warts, AK and BP in transplant recipients.