Immunotherapy with imiquimod 5% cream for eyelid nodular basal cell carcinoma

Am J Ophthalmol. 2005 Dec;140(6):1136-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2005.06.057.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of eyelid basal cell carcinoma.

Design: Two interventional case reports.

Methods: Imiquimod 5% cream was applied topically once daily, 3 days a week for 8 to 12 weeks, in two patients affected by eyelid nodular basal cell carcinoma. Patients were followed up clinically with slit-lamp examination for evidence of tumor disappearance or recurrence, and local and systemic side effects.

Results: Complete clinical response was obtained in both patients. No severe local side effects were observed. Patients did not show any local recurrence after 1 year.

Conclusions: Topical imiquimod 5% cream seems to be a useful treatment for eyelid nodular basal cell carcinoma in selected cases, but further long-term studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of this approach.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aminoquinolines / adverse effects
  • Aminoquinolines / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / pathology
  • Eyelid Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Eyelid Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imiquimod
  • Immunotherapy*
  • Interferon Inducers / adverse effects
  • Interferon Inducers / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Ointments
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Aminoquinolines
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Interferon Inducers
  • Ointments
  • Imiquimod