Therapeutic response of basal cell carcinoma to the immune response modifier imiquimod 5% cream.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Imiquimod 5% cream shows clinical efficacy in the treatment of BCC.
Beutner
K R
KR
Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, the Department of Medicine, Sutter Solano Medical Center, Vallejo, Solano Dermatology Associates, Vallejo, CA, USA.
Geisse
J K
JK
Helman
D
D
Fox
T L
TL
Ginkel
A
A
Owens
M L
ML
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D007369:Interferon Inducers; D000077271:Imiquimod