Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
04:25
Local Hyperthermia for Warts Treatment
Published on: November 8, 2024
Topical imiquimod therapy for lentigo maligna
Mary-Helen Mahoney1, Mariamma G Joseph, Claire Temple
1Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|September 25, 2008
Summary
Topical imiquimod cream offers a promising alternative for treating lentigo maligna (LM), a challenging skin cancer. This study found an 86% success rate with manageable side effects, warranting further clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lentigo maligna (LM) poses significant challenges for complete surgical excision.
- Imiquimod, a topical immune-response modifier, targets the immune system to treat skin conditions.
Observation:
- Seven patients with LM were treated with topical imiquimod 5% cream, 5 nights per week for an average of 12.4 weeks.
- Data collected included patient and lesion characteristics, treatment side effects, and post-treatment biopsy results.
Findings:
- Complete histologic and clinical resolution of LM was observed in 86% (6 of 7 patients) during a follow-up period of 19.1 months.
- Common side effects included erythema (86%) and crusting (71%), necessitating dose alterations in 71% of patients.
Implications:
- Topical imiquimod demonstrates a high response rate and tolerable side effects for treating lentigo maligna.
- Further controlled clinical trials are recommended to establish the efficacy of imiquimod for LM treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.