An open-label phase II pilot study investigating the optimal duration of imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of external genital warts in women.
Our objective was to determine the optimal duration of treatment with imiquimod for external genital warts over 4, 8, 12 or 16 weeks. A total of 120 women with a history of genital warts for a median of 3-6 months and prior alternative treatments in 73% were evaluated for total clearance rates. There was no statistically significant difference in complete clearance rates after 16-week follow-up across treatment groups: four weeks (40.0%), eight weeks (48.4%), 12 weeks (39.3%) and 16 weeks (51.6%). Imiquimod was well tolerated, and in those treated for four weeks there was a lower incidence of local skin reactions such as erythema and erosion, and no incidences of pain. These preliminary results suggest that a four-week treatment course of imiquimod applied thrice weekly for women with external genital warts may provide a reasonable approach with comparable efficacy and compliance, and minimal adverse events, drug costs and clinic visits.
Garland
S M
SM
Department of Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Royal Women's Hospital, 132 Grattan Street, Carlton, Victoria 3052, Australia. suzanne.garland@rch.org.au
Waddell
R
R
Mindel
A
A
Denham
I M
IM
McCloskey
J C
JC
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003218:Condylomata Acuminata / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D007369:Interferon Inducers; D000077271:Imiquimod