Imiquimod for Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma

Imiquimod (Aldara) 5% cream has recently received FDA approval for the treatment of actinic keratoses and has shown promising results in the treatment of basal . . .

Imiquimod (Aldara) 5% cream has recently received FDA approval for the treatment of actinic keratoses and has shown promising results in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). In two identical multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, dose-response studies performed at 55 centers, imiquimod 5% cream was compared with placebo for treating biopsy-proven superficial BCC. The BCCs ranged in size from 0.5 cm² to 4.0 cm²; centrofacial, ear, and anogenital lesions were excluded. A total of 724 subjects were enrolled. Imiquimod or placebo was applied 5 or 7 times weekly for 6 weeks; the lesion sites were examined and excised 12 weeks after treatment.

Treated BCCs were situated on the trunk and extremities (94%), on the neck (4…

Reviewing Author

George J. Hruza, MD, Saint Louis University Medical School