Treatment of patch and plaque stage mycosis fungoides with imiquimod 5% cream.
BACKGROUND
Systemic interferon is effective in the treatment of mycosis fungoides (MF). Imiquimod is effective in the treatment of some epidermal neoplasms and induces localized interferon production.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of patch and plaque stage MF.


METHODS
Six patients with stage IA to IIB MF were treated with topical imiquimod 5% cream 3 times per week for 12 weeks in this open label pilot study. Index lesions were biopsied pre- and post- treatment, and up to 4 additional treated lesions were monitored for 16 weeks.


RESULTS
Three of 6 patients had histologic clearance of disease in index lesions, and also demonstrated significant improvement in the clinical scores for all treated lesions. A fourth patient had 2 of 4 lesions respond clinically. Application site reactions were limited to those patients responding to treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
In this preliminary open label study topical imiquimod 5% cream was well tolerated and associated with a histologic and clinical response rate of 50%.
Deeths
Matthew J
MJ
Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado 80045-0510, USA.
Chapman
James T
JT
Dellavalle
Robert P
RP
Zeng
Chan
C
Aeling
John L
JL
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D009824:Ointments; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007369:Interferon Inducers; D009824:Ointments; D000077271:Imiquimod