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Topical imiquimod for periocular lentigo maligna
Hakan Demirci1, Carol L Shields, Carlos G Bianciotto
1Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Ophthalmology
|July 2, 2010
Summary
Topical imiquimod 5% showed efficacy in treating periocular lentigo maligna, with complete or partial resolution in all five patients. Further research is warranted for this treatment approach.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Periocular lentigo maligna is a challenging condition to treat.
- Topical imiquimod 5% is a local immune response modifier with potential therapeutic applications.
Observation:
- A retrospective case series evaluated five patients with biopsy-proven periocular lentigo maligna.
- Treatment involved topical imiquimod 5% applied to the skin around the eye for 5-7 days weekly over a mean of 9 months.
- The study monitored clinical response and adverse effects.
Findings:
- All five patients experienced either partial (3 patients) or complete (2 patients) resolution of periocular lentigo maligna.
- Common side effects included erythema, discomfort, swelling, and excoriation, leading to treatment discontinuation in two patients.
- No ocular toxicity was observed, and no recurrence was noted during a mean 20-month follow-up.
Implications:
- Topical imiquimod 5% demonstrates promise as a treatment for periocular lentigo maligna.
- The findings suggest that imiquimod 5% may be a viable non-invasive option for periocular lentigo maligna.
- Further clinical studies are recommended to confirm the efficacy and safety of imiquimod 5% for this indication.
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