Successful treatment of basal cell carcinomas in a nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome with topical 5% imiquimod

Eur J Dermatol. 2002 Nov-Dec;12(6):569-72.

Abstract

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, also referred to as naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), is an autosomal dominant skin disease with complete penetrance and inconstancy of the four major findings: multiple naevoid basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), pits on palms and soles, skeletal abnormalities (for example, jaw cysts), and ectopic calcification. The treatment of multiple BCCs is still a matter of debate. We report three cases of multiple BCCs in Gorlin-Goltz syndrome treated with topical 5% imiquimod cream, an immune response modifier. Patients were successfully cleared of BCCs after treatment for 6-8 weeks. Histologically no apparent signs of BCC-persistence could be detected and no recurrences were detected during the 12 month follow up period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aminoquinolines / administration & dosage*
  • Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome / pathology
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Face
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Imiquimod
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sampling Studies
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Aminoquinolines
  • Imiquimod