Therapeutic response of basal cell carcinoma to the immune response modifier imiquimod 5% cream.
Author(s): Beutner KR, Geisse JK, Helman D, Fox TL, Ginkel A, Owens ML
Affiliation(s): Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, the Department of Medicine, Sutter Solano Medical Center, Vallejo, Solano Dermatology Associates, Vallejo, CA, USA.
Publication date & source: 1999-12, J Am Acad Dermatol., 41(6):1002-7.
Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) responds to interferon therapy. Imiquimod is a cytokine and interferon inducer. OBJECTIVE: This randomized, double-blind pilot trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream versus vehicle in the treatment of BCC. METHODS: In this population of 35 patients with BCC, 24 received imiquimod 5% cream and 11 received vehicle cream in 1 of 5 dosing regimens for up to 16 weeks. Six weeks after treatment, an excisional biopsy of the target site was performed. RESULTS: BCC cleared (on the basis of histologic examination) in all 15 patients (100%) dosed twice daily, once daily, and 3 times weekly; in 3 of 5 (60%) patients dosed twice weekly; 2 of 4 (50%) dosed once weekly; and in 1 of 11 (9%) treated with vehicle. Adverse events were predominantly local reactions at the target tumor site, with the incidence and severity of local skin reactions declining in groups dosed less frequently. CONCLUSION: Imiquimod 5% cream shows clinical efficacy in the treatment of BCC.
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