Treatment of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelids with 5% topical imiquimod: a 3-year follow-up study.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of 5% topical imiquimod, and the long-term results following its use, in the treatment of nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the eyelid.


METHODS
Imiquimod cream (5%) was applied topically to five individuals affected by nodular BCC of the eyelid. The patients were followed up during the 6 weeks of treatment and for another 3 years after treatment. Local side effects and evidence of tumour regression or recurrence were noted.


RESULTS
Complete clinical clearance of the tumour was obtained in four patients, with no response in the fifth patient. Therapy was typically accompanied by significant discomfort due to local side effects, which disappeared following completion of the treatment. None of these patients showed any local recurrence after 3 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical imiquimod applied in the form of a 5% cream proved to be a safe, efficacious and sustainable treatment option for nodular BCC of the eyelid in our selected cases.
Choontanom
Raveewan
R
University Eye Hospital, Domagkstr. 15, 48149 Münster, Germany.
Thanos
Solon
S
Busse
Holger
H
Stupp
Tobias
T
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009824:Ointments; D000077271:Imiquimod