title: Immunotherapy with imiquimod 5% cream for eyelid nodular basal cell carcinoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of eyelid basal cell carcinoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two interventional case reports.
  
  
  METHODS
  Imiquimod 5% cream was applied topically once daily, 3 days a week for 8 to 12 weeks, in two patients affected by eyelid nodular basal cell carcinoma. Patients were followed up clinically with slit-lamp examination for evidence of tumor disappearance or recurrence, and local and systemic side effects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Complete clinical response was obtained in both patients. No severe local side effects were observed. Patients did not show any local recurrence after 1 year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Topical imiquimod 5% cream seems to be a useful treatment for eyelid nodular basal cell carcinoma in selected cases, but further long-term studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of this approach.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of L'Aquila, Ospedale San Salvatore, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy. ma.blasi@flashnet.it
authors.forename: Maria Antonietta
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Blasi
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Giammaria
authors.forename: Emilio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Balestrazzi
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007369:Interferon Inducers; D009824:Ointments; D000077271:Imiquimod