Large keratoacanthomas treated with intralesional interferon alfa-2a.
BACKGROUND
Spontaneous involution of giant keratoacanthomas (KAs) can leave large scars or cause mutilation. Human papillomaviruses have recently been demonstrated in KAs. Intralesional interferon alfa-2a (IFN alfa-2a) has been shown to have activity against different epithelial tumors and to have an antiviral effect.


OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to determine whether it was possible to stop extension of large KAs, to accelerate healing, and to obtain good cosmetic results with intralesional IFN alfa-2a.


METHODS
Six large KAs were treated with intralesional IFN alfa-2a.


RESULTS
Regression was obtained in five cases in 3 to 7 weeks with excellent cosmetic results. The main side effect was pain during injection.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that this treatment hastens healing and limits scarring.
Grob
J J
JJ
Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Ste. Marguerite, Marseille, France.
Suzini
F
F
Richard
M A
MA
Weiller
M
M
Zarour
H
H
Noe
C
C
Munoz
M H
MH
Bonerandi
J J
JJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015552:Injections, Intralesional; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007636:Keratoacanthoma / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000628:therapy*
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins