title: Imiquimod in clinical practice.
abstract: Applied topically, imiquimod induces the production of interferon-alpha plus other cytokines. Because intralesional interferon is effective in the treatment of condylomata acuminata (genital warts), topical imiquimod has also been investigated as a potential therapy for this condition. The dosing regimen found to best balance efficacy, side-effects and practicality is 5% imiquimod cream applied overnight by the patient three times weekly until warts clear, for up to 16 weeks. The largest double-blind trial to examine this protocol involved 311 patients with external anogenital warts who were randomized to use imiquimod 5% cream, imiquimod 1% cream or vehicle cream. Evaluation of all patients given medication at any time showed that 50% of those who received 5% imiquimod experienced clearing of all baseline warts, as compared to 21% of those who used 1% imiquimod and 11% of those treated with vehicle. Overall, 5% imiquimod treatment was significantly more effective than vehicle (P < 0.0001). Excluding patients who discontinued medication for reasons unrelated to therapy (such as moving out of town or poor compliance), 56% of those who received 5% imiquimod experienced complete clearing of baseline warts. Clearing also occurred in 27% of those who received imiquimod 1%. Recurrence of baseline warts occurred in 13% of patients whose warts cleared with 5% imiquimod. When applied overnight at home three times each week, topical imiquimod 5% cream is an effective therapy with acceptable side-effects. The recurrence rate is low and further studies to specifically compare recurrence rates are warranted.
authors.affiliation: Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Edwards
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003218:Condylomata Acuminata / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008297:Male; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000634:Aminoquinolines; D007369:Interferon Inducers; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D000077271:Imiquimod