title: Pilot study of the effect of postoperative imiquimod 5% cream on the recurrence rate of excised keloids.
abstract: New adjunctive treatments are needed to reduce the high recurrence rates (50%) of excised keloids. Interferon alfa injections have been shown to decrease the size of stable keloids. This study examined the effects of postoperative imiquimod 5% cream on the recurrence of 13 keloids excised surgically from 12 patients. Starting on the night of surgery, imiquimod 5% cream was applied for 8 weeks. Patients were examined at weeks 4, 8, 16, and 24 for local erythema, edema, erosions, pigment alteration, and/or recurrence of keloids. Of the 11 keloids evaluated at 24 weeks, none (0%) recurred. Incidences of hyperpigmentation were 63.6%. Two cases of mild irritation and superficial erosion cleared with temporary discontinuation of imiquimod. Both patients completed the 8 weeks of topical therapy and the final 24-week assessment. At 24 weeks, the recurrence rate of excised keloids treated with postoperative imiquimod 5% cream was lower than recurrence rates previously reported in the literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33136, USA.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Berman
authors.forename: Joely
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kaufman
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004431:Ear, External; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007627:Keloid / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000634:Aminoquinolines; D007369:Interferon Inducers; D000077271:Imiquimod