Squamous cell carcinoma in situ or Bowens disease is a precancerous keratinocyte lesion with the potential to progress into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Several treatment modalities exist. Imiquimod is a topical immune response modifier with antitumor effects through the induction of local production of cytokines, particularly interferon alfa (IFN-a), interleukins 1, 6, 8, and 12, and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) This is the case of a 54-year-old female with biopsy-proven, Bowens disease over the right lower quadrant of the abdomen treated with once-daily application of imiquimod 5 percent cream for 9 weeks. Posttreatment biopsy showed no histologic evidence of Bowens disease.

Human ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aminoquinolines ; Bowen's Disease ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Cytokines ; Interferon-alpha ; Keratinocytes ; Skin Neoplasms ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha