Basal cell carcinoma: treatment with imiquimod.
BACKGROUND
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy. There are various approaches to its treatment, but imiquimod, the immune response modifier, offers a topical, noninvasive, nonsurgical therapeutic option.


METHODS
We present our experience of the treatment of 96 patients with BCCs during the period March 2002 to February 2004 at the Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínico S. Cecilio, Granada, Spain. One hundred and forty-one tumors (nodular, superficial, and pearly/ulcerated clinical types) were treated with imiquimod.


RESULTS
The clinical cure rate at 12 months was 80-85%.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience indicates that imiquimod is a reasonable option for the treatment of BCC. It is low cost, can be delivered via ambulatory care, and has tolerable side-effects.
Bukhardt Pérez
M P
MP
Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínico S. Cecilio, Granada, Spain.
Ruiz-Villaverde
Ricardo
R
Naranjo Díaz
M J
MJ
Blasco Melguizo
J
J
Naranjo Sintes
R
R
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001706:Biopsy; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013030:Spain; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000077271:Imiquimod