Vehicle-controlled, double-blind, randomized study of imiquimod 5% cream applied 3 days per week in one or two courses of treatment for actinic keratoses on the head.
BACKGROUND
A shorter dosing regimen of imiquimod for the treatment of actinic keratosis may be effective, with long-term clinical benefits.


OBJECTIVE
Imiquimod in one or two shorter courses of treatment was evaluated.


METHODS
Patients with actinic keratosis lesions on the head applied imiquimod or vehicle cream 3x/wk for 4 weeks (course 1). Patients with remaining lesions received another course of treatment. Complete and partial clearance rates were evaluated after course 1, after course 2 (overall), and 1 year later.


RESULTS
Complete clearance rates were 26.8% (course 1) and 53.7% (overall). Partial clearance rates were 36.6% (course 1) and 61.0% (overall). One-year follow-up recurrence rates were 39% (imiquimod) and 57% (vehicle).


CONCLUSIONS
Blinded investigators may have been biased toward patients treated with imiquimod identified by treatment site reactions.


CONCLUSIONS
Imiquimod 3x/wk in one or two courses of treatment appears to be effective for the treatment of actinic keratoses on the head, providing long-term clinical benefits. Some recurrences do occur, so long-term follow-up is recommended.
Jorizzo
Joseph
J
Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. jjorizzo@wfubmc.edu
Dinehart
Scott
S
Matheson
Robert
R
Moore
Jeffrey K
JK
Ling
Mark
M
Fox
Terry L
TL
McRae
Scott
S
Fielder
Sandra
S
Lee
James H
JH
D000328:Adult; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007642:Keratosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D009824:Ointments; D000077271:Imiquimod