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Basal cell carcinoma: treatment with imiquimod

M P Bukhardt Pérez1, Ricardo Ruiz-Villaverde, M J Naranjo Díaz

  • 1Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínico S. Cecilio, Granada, Spain.

International Journal of Dermatology
|May 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Imiquimod offers an effective, non-surgical treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), achieving an 80-85% clinical cure rate. This topical immune response modifier presents a low-cost, ambulatory care option with manageable side effects for BCC patients.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent skin cancer.
  • Topical imiquimod provides a noninvasive, nonsurgical therapeutic alternative for BCC treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of imiquimod for treating various types of basal cell carcinoma.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 96 patients and 141 BCC tumors (nodular, superficial, pearly/ulcerated) treated with topical imiquimod.
  • Treatment was administered over a two-year period (March 2002 - February 2004) at a Spanish dermatology department.

Main Results:

  • A clinical cure rate of 80-85% was observed at the 12-month follow-up.
  • The treatment demonstrated a favorable safety profile with tolerable side effects.

Conclusions:

  • Imiquimod is a viable and cost-effective treatment option for basal cell carcinoma.
  • Its suitability for ambulatory care and manageable side effects support its use in clinical practice.
Abstract

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