title: Imiquimod 5% cream for actinic keratosis.
abstract: Imiquimod 5% cream has been available since 1997 for the treatment of genital warts. Health Canada has expanded the indication to include actinic keratosis (AK). There are no trials comparing imiquimod 5% cream to standard AK therapy; placebo-controlled trials have shown an increased lesion clearance rate of 30% to 55% eight weeks post-treatment. Side effects include local skin reactions that can be severe and require discontinuation of treatment in 2% to 4% of patients. Imiquimod has shown a great potential for use in unapproved indications.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Perras
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002170:Canada; D017277:Drug Approval; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000634:Aminoquinolines