The Effects of 5% Imiquimod Cream on Bowen's Disease.
- Author:
Hyun Chang KO
1
;
Chang Keun OH
;
Sung Jun KIM
;
Byung Soo KIM
;
Bong Seok JANG
;
Moon Bum KIM
;
Kyung Sool KWON
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea. ckoh@pusan.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Bowen's disease;
Imiquimod
- MeSH:
Biopsy;
Bowen's Disease*;
Burns;
Cytokines;
Erythema;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Immune System;
Immunity, Cellular;
Interferons;
Pruritus;
Recurrence;
Skin;
T-Lymphocytes;
Toll-Like Receptor 7
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2006;44(12):1410-1416
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Imiquimod is an immune response modifier which works as a Toll-like receptor 7 agonist which induces interferon and other cytokines through the innate immune system and stimulates cell-mediated immunity through T cells. Imiquimod has been shown to be efficacious as a topical treatment for variable cutaneous neoplasms including Bowen's disease. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 5% imiquimod cream for the treatment of Bowen's disease. METHODS: Thirty one lesions from 13 patients with Bowen's disease were treated with 5% imiquimod cream, 3 times per week at night, until complete clearance of lesions had occurred. During the follow-up period, the duration of therapeutic response, clearance rate, side effects and recurrence were recorded. Biopsy specimens from five patients after treatment completion were obtained to confirm tumor clearance. RESULTS: Complete clinical response was obtained in 30 lesions (96.8%) from 12 patients, and a partial clinical response was observed in a palmar lesion of 1 patient. The duration of complete response ranged from 4 to 24 weeks, and mean duration was 11.8 weeks. All patients showed mild to moderate local skin reactions such as erythema, erosion, crusting, itching, burning, and pain. No-one experienced systemic adverse effects during topical application. After 3 to 26 months follow-up of the patients who had shown complete clearance, no-one encountered recurrence. CONCLUSION: 5% imiquimod cream appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of Bowen's disease, and so therefore may be promising future treatment for this condition.
