Imiquimod cream 5% for the treatment of arsenic-induced cutaneous neoplasms.
Long-term exposure to arsenic has been linked to the development of numerous cutaneous neoplasms including arsenical keratoses, basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). We report a patient with a remote history of psoriasis treated with arsenic who subsequently developed more than 40 nonmelanoma skin cancers as well as arsenical keratoses. This patient had a remarkable response to imiquimod cream 5% applied once daily to affected areas for 6 weeks with complete resolution of all cutaneous neoplasms and no evidence of recurrence in more than 3 years of clinical surveillance.
Lonergan
Cheryl Lundeberg
CL
Department of Dermatology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, USA. drlonergan@aadermatology.com
McNamara
Elizabeth Kaufman
EK
Cordoro
Kelly M
KM
Greer
Kenneth E
KE
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001151:Arsenic / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007642:Keratosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001151:Arsenic; D000077271:Imiquimod