Successful treatment of persistent melanoma in situ with 5% imiquimod cream.
BACKGROUND
Five percent imiquimod cream, a topically applied immune response modifier with potent antiviral and antitumor activity, has been reported to be effective in the management of lentigo maligna and cutaneous metastases from melanoma.


OBJECTIVE
We report a case in which 5% imiquimod cream was effective in the management of a persistent melanoma in situ.


METHODS
Five percent imiquimod cream was applied to the affected area twice to three times a week, as tolerated.


RESULTS
After 4 months of treatment, repeated biopsies of the previously affected areas showed complete regression of the melanoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of melanoma in situ of sun-damaged areas with 5% imiquimod cream certainly appears warranted in selected cases where surgical procedures have failed or are not feasible owing to factors such as size and/or localization of the lesion, advanced age, or deteriorated medical status of the patient. Rigorous posttreatment follow-up is mandatory, because long-term recurrence rates after treatment of melanoma in situ with imiquimod are yet unknown.
Muñoz
Christine M
CM
Department of Dermatology, University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Sánchez
Jorge L
JL
Martín-García
Rafael F
RF
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D009333:Neck; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077271:Imiquimod