Imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma: a double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled study.
BACKGROUND
Imiquimod 5% cream may provide an effective nonsurgical treatment for superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) based on results of previous studies.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this phase II dose-response study was to explore various dosing regimens using imiquimod 5% cream for sBCC to find the most effective frequency of dosing with tolerable side effects.


METHODS
Patients (n = 128) were dosed twice daily, once daily, 5 times a week, or 3 times a week in this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. At 6 weeks after treatment, the entire tumor area was clinically evaluated, excised, and examined exhaustively for histologic evidence of residual sBCC.


RESULTS
Complete response rates were 100% (10/10), 87.1% (27/31), 80.8% (21/26), and 51.7% (15/29) for patients in the twice daily, once daily, 5 times a week, and 3 times a week imiquimod groups, respectively, and 18.8% (6/32) in the vehicle group.


CONCLUSIONS
Imiquimod 5% cream was effective in the treatment of sBCC. Daily or 5 times a week dosing for 12 weeks demonstrated high efficacy results with acceptable safety profiles.
Solano Dermatology Associates, Vallejo, California 94589, USA.
John K
JK
Geisse
Phoebe
P
Rich
Amit
A
Pandya
Kenneth
K
Gross
Kara
K
Andres
Angie
A
Ginkel
Mary
M
Owens
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009824:Ointments; D000077271:Imiquimod