Two cases of squamous cell carcinoma treated with topical imiquimod 5%

Abstract

We report the first two cases of squamous cell carcinoma successfully treated with imiquimod 5% cream as a monotherapy. Imiquimod is a new immunomodulating drug that is registered for genital HPV infection but has also shown good efficacy in several cutaneous malignancies.

Imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of Bowen's disease and invasive squamous cell carcinoma

“…15,[21][22][23][24][25][26] In this study complete regression was observed in 9 of 12 lesions (75%; 4 Bowen's disease lesions and 5 invasive SCCs) in 8 patients, and partial regression was detected in the remaining 3 lesions (25%; 1 Bowen's disease and 2 invasive SCCs) in 2 patients.…”

“…In previous reports, no recurrence of Bowen's disease lesions and invasive SCCs was detected after a follow-up period varying from 1 to 15 months, and from 1 to 21 months, respectively. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][21][22][23][24][25][26] The mechanism of action of imiquimod appears to be complex and is not yet fully elucidated. Imiquimod binds to toll-like receptor 7 on dendritic cells inducing the release of a variety of proinflammatory cytokines (eg, interferon alfa) that in turn stimulate an antitumor immune response.…”

“…The great majority of prior reports of imiquimod use for in situ and invasive SCC were limited to one or two patients only. [8][9][10][11][12][13]16,17,19,[20][21][22][23][24][25][26] In addition, none of the previous reports provided follow-up data longer than 21 months after treatment.…”

A programme of research to set priorities and reduce uncertainties for the prevention and treatment of skin disease

“…Post-treatment complete response was observed in all patients in eight of the studies (comprising 12 patients), [634][635][636][637][639][640][641][642] with histological confirmation of clearance in all but one study. 635 One case report of topical imiquimod use observed no response in one of three foot and lower leg SCCs in the same patient.…”

“…There was one prospective case series that included three patients with four SCCs, 634 one retrospective case series in which there was one eligible patient with SCC 635 and the remainder were case reports of one or two patients. [636][637][638][639][640][641][642] Outcomes after treatment for these studies are summarised in Table 54.…”