Imiquimod 5% cream following curettage without electrodesiccation for basal cell carcinoma: preliminary report.
BACKGROUND
Using more than one therapeutic approach in the treatment of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) has the potential to enhance cure rates.


METHODS
In this study, 57 nodular and superficial BCCs were curetted without electrodesiccation. One week later, imiquimod 5% cream therapy was initiated once daily 5 times per week for 6 weeks. At 1-year follow-up, 0 of 57 BCCs (0%) had clinical recurrences. Cosmetic results were very good to excellent.


CONCLUSIONS
Combination therapy with imiquimod 5% cream followed by curettage represents an effective method for treating BCCs with a high cure rate.
Rigel
Darrell S
DS
Clinical Professor of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Torres
Abel M
AM
Ely
Haines
H
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003475:Curettage; D003890:Desiccation; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077271:Imiquimod