Open-label study to assess the safety and efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream applied once daily three times per week in cycles for treatment of actinic keratoses on the head.
BACKGROUND
Local skin reactions are common during imiquimod treatment of actinic keratosis (AK). Cyclical application of imiquimod may improve tolerability while maintaining efficacy.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the tolerability of imiquimod and clearance rate of AK lesions after imiquimod application.


METHODS
Imiquimod 5% cream was administered three times per week for 4 weeks followed by 4 weeks of rest (cycle 1) to AK lesions on the head. If AK lesions remained visible at the end of cycle 1, a second treatment cycle was instituted.


RESULTS
Fifty percent (30 of 60) of patients experienced complete clearance of AK lesions, and 75% (30 of 40) of patients experienced partial clearance of AK lesions after imiquimod treatment at the end of cycle 2. Moreover, 77% of patients who achieved complete clearance had no visible AK lesions 12 weeks post-treatment. Imiquimod was well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Imiquimod cycle therapy may be a safe and effective treatment option for AK lesions.
Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. jason@vancouverskin.com
Jason K
JK
Rivers
Les
L
Rosoph
Nathalie
N
Provost
Robert
R
Bissonnette
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006257:Head; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007642:Keratosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000634:Aminoquinolines; D009824:Ointments; D000077271:Imiquimod