Imiquimod treatment of superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma: 12-week open-label trial.
BACKGROUND
Imiquimod is an immune response modifier shown to be effective in basal cell carcinoma (BCC).


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and response durability of imiquimod 5% cream in selected patients with superficial and/or nodular BCCs.


METHODS
Seventy-five superficial and 19 nodular BCCs in 49 patients were treated with imiquimod once daily three times a week for up to 12 weeks.


RESULTS
Of the 49 enrolled patients, 1 discontinued the study and 1 was lost to follow-up. After 12 weeks of treatment, a complete response occurred in 70 of 75 (93.3%) superficial BCCs and a partial response in 4 of 75 (5.3%) superficial BCCs. Ten of 19 (52.6%) nodular BCCs cleared after 12 weeks, whereas 7 (36.8%) showed partial remission. Adverse side effects were limited to local skin reactions. Recurrence was observed in 2 of 70 (2.9%) successfully treated superficial BCCs 6 and 8 months after treatment discontinuation. No recurrence was detected in 68 of 70 (97.1%) superficial BCCs and in 10 successfully treated nodular BCCs after 12 to 34 months of follow-up (mean 23 months).


CONCLUSIONS
In our patient population, treatment of superficial BCCs with topical imiquimod for 12 weeks produced an excellent clinical response overall, with complete remission maintained after a mean of 23 months.
Peris
Ketty
K
Department of Dermatology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. peris@univaq.it
Campione
Elena
E
Micantonio
Tamara
T
Marulli
Georgiana Clare
GC
Fargnoli
Maria Concetta
MC
Chimenti
Sergio
S
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077271:Imiquimod