title: Use of 5% imiquimod cream in the treatment of facial basal cell carcinoma: a 3-year retrospective follow-up study.
abstract: There has been considerable research into the safety and efficacy of topical 5% imiquimod cream for the treatment of skin cancers in recent years, in particular superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas. However, there are limited long-term follow-up studies. This retrospective study aims to determine the efficacy of 5% imiquimod cream in the treatment of facial basal cell carcinomas over 3 years. Medical records of 12 patients treated with 5% imiquimod cream at a private dermatology practice during 2001 and 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. Target tumours included superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas, giving a total lesion number of 19. Patients were commenced on a once daily treatment regimen for up to 9 weeks, and given rest periods as required according to the severity of application site reactions. We found that 5% imiquimod cream is an effective treatment option for superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas, giving a clearance rate of 89.5% at an average of 39 months of follow up.
authors.affiliation: Siller Medical, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. yinvun@ausdoctors.net
authors.forename: Yin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Vun
authors.forename: Greg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Siller
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000187:drug effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077271:Imiquimod