Kr. Beutner et al., Therapeutic response of basal cell carcinoma to the immune response modifier imiquimod 5% cream, J AM ACAD D, 41(6), 1999, pp. 1002-1007
Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) responds to interferon therapy. Imiq
uimod is a cytokine and interferon inducer
Objective: This randomized, double-blind pilot trial evaluated the safety a
nd efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream versus vehicle in the treatment of BCC.
Methods: In this population of 35 patients with BCC, 24 received imiquimod
5% cream and 11 received vehicle cream in 1 of 5 dosing regimens for up to
16 weeks. Six weeks after treatment, an excisional biopsy of the target sit
e was performed.
Results: BCC cleared ton the basis of histologic examination) in all 15 pat
ients (100%) dosed twice daily, once daily, and 3 times weekly; in 3 of 5 (
60%) patients dosed twice weekly; 2 of 4 (50%) dosed once weekly; and in 1
of 11 (9%) treated with vehicle. Adverse events were predominantly local re
actions at the target tumor site, with the incidence and severity of local
skin reactions declining in groups dosed less frequently.
Conclusion: Imiquimod 5% cream shows clinical efficacy in the treatment of
BCC.