Cimetidine treatment for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

British Association of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology members experience with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

“…Only 7.7% of responding consultants reported the use of antireflux medication, compared with 15% in the ASPO survey, despite studies showing beneficial effects in reducing the rate of disease recurrence and soft tissue complications [18].…”

“…Eight departments are treating 27 (26.2%) patients with distal spread of the disease in the trachea (18), trachea and bronchi (5), trachea, bronchi, and lung parenchyma (4). Two of those are treated with surgery alone, whereas six have surgery and adjuvant therapy (cidofovir, interferon and indole 3 carbinol).…”

Oral Cimetidine Adjuvant Therapy for Recalcitrant, Diffuse Conjunctival Papillomatosis

“…26 CIM has also been used to treat juvenile respiratory papillomatosis, which is caused by infective agents found in HPV-6 and -11. 27 Because the association of papilloma with HPVs is well known, immunomodulating agents may play key roles in tumor eradication because cellular immunity is important for the antiviral defense mechanism. CIM achieves immunomodulation by inhibiting H 2 receptors on suppressor T cells.…”

Extraesophageal acid reflux and recurrent respiratory papilloma in children

“…Patients with refractory disease have an abnormal amount and balance of cytokines [17]. Systemic administration with cimetidine, a common H2 receptor antagonist used to treat GERD, has been shown to have some benefit as adjuvant therapy for RRP [18]. At high doses, the drug has immunomodulatory properties, shifting the balance of helper T cells (Th1 > Th2) and stimulating the inhibition of intracellular viral infections [19].…”