The use of imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinomas in a basal cell nevus syndrome patient.
BACKGROUND
Imiquimod 5% cream has been used effectively to treat superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs).


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness, tolerability, and desirability of imiquimod 5% cream in treating superficial non-facial basal cell carcinomas in a patient with basal cell nevus syndrome.


METHODS
Three biopsy-proven nonfacial BCCs were treated for 18 weeks with once daily application of 5% imiquimod cream. The lesions were then removed to search histologically for residual tumor.


RESULTS
The two adequately treated tumors revealed no residual BCC upon removal. Our patient reported that he tolerated the treatment but he would not desire this treatment again based on the length of treatment time and the degree of local inflammation at the treatment sites.


CONCLUSIONS
Imiquimod 5% cream appears to be effective in eradicating superficial nonfacial BCCs. The degree of local inflammatory response may affect the patients' tolerability of treatment and therefore patient compliance.
Kagy
M K
MK
University of Tennessee-Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Amonette
R
R
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001478:Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome / Q000473:pathology*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000634:Aminoquinolines; D007369:Interferon Inducers; D009824:Ointments; D000077271:Imiquimod