title: An open-label phase II pilot study investigating the optimal duration of imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of external genital warts in women.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Royal Women's Hospital, 132 Grattan Street, Carlton, Victoria 3052, Australia. suzanne.garland@rch.org.au
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Garland
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Waddell
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mindel
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Denham
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: McCloskey
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000634:Aminoquinolines; D007369:Interferon Inducers; D000077271:Imiquimod