Imiquimod 3.75% cream (Zyclara) for the treatment of actinic keratoses.
BACKGROUND
actinic keratosis is a premalignant disease with a high incidence and is a strong predictor for the development of squamous cell carcinoma. Various treatment options have been established over recent years, including topical treatment with imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, diclofenac or photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy and surgical procedures.


METHODS
this review covers basic and clinical experiences with imiquimod 3.75% for topical treatment of actinic keratosis of the face and balding scalp and its comparators with special focus on imiquimod 5%. It also covers pharmacology of imiquimod 3.5% and its contribution to the current treatment options of actinic keratoses.


CONCLUSIONS
imiquimod 3.75% is an interesting, safe and well-tolerated treatment option for actinic keratoses of the face or balding scalp especially in respect of compliance, as it is indicated for daily use for a shorter time period (2 times, 2-week cycles) and approved for use on larger areas compared with imiquimod 5%. Data from current trials indicate lower efficacy compared with imiquimod 5% cream when applied three times a week for 16 weeks or for two 4-week cycles with a 4-week no-treatment interval, but indicate similar efficacy when compared with a twice-weekly schedule for 16 weeks. An additive effect was observed when combining cryosurgery followed by imiquimod 3.75%.
Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Magdeburg, Germany .
Sven R
SR
Quist
Harald P
HP
Gollnick
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000379:methods; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005145:Face; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D055623:Keratosis, Actinic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D055118:Medication Adherence; D012535:Scalp
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000077271:Imiquimod