Nudging epidermal field cancerogenesis by imiquimod.
BACKGROUND
The coexistence of malignancies close to each other on the skin has been occasionally reported. The concept of field cancerogenesis applies to such cases. Given the purported mechanism of action of imiquimod, it should not be surprising that this treatment could inhibit epidermal field cancerogenesis.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of imiquimod applied twice weekly on incipient bowenoid changes disclosed in the vicinity of basal cell carcinomas.


METHODS
Biopsies were taken before treatment and after 4-6 weeks and 12 weeks of imiquimod treatment.


RESULTS
Large atypical bowenoid keratinocytes and dyskeratotic cells were cleared in time while factor-XIIIa-positive dermal dendrocytes appeared boosted and admixed with a brisk lymphocytic infiltration.


CONCLUSIONS
Epidermal field cancerogenesis appears to be controlled by imiquimod. Dermal dendrocytes might play a pivotal role in this regression phenomenon.
Uhoda
Isabelle
I
Department of Dermatopathology, University Medical Center of Liège, Belgium.
Quatresooz
Pascale
P
Piérard-Franchimont
Claudine
C
Piérard
Gérald E
GE
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001706:Biopsy; D001913:Bowen's Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077271:Imiquimod