Topical imiquimod and in situ vulvar melanoma: A promising therapy?

Vulvar melanoma is a rare type of cancer that affects mainly postmenopausal women. There are no established protocols for the treatment of vulvar melanoma. From data extrapolated from the literature on cutaneous melanoma, surgical excision remains the best option for the resectable disease. Imiquimod, a topical immunomodulator, has been used in selected cases of in situ vulvar melanoma.

We reported two cases of in situ vulvar melanoma treated with topical imiquimod 5%, either as first-line therapy or adjuvant treatment, that showed a complete clinical response to topical treatment.

Imiquimod's beneficial and adverse effects in in situ vulvar melanoma treatment are examined.