Phase II Study Reports Positive Results for Topical Treatment of Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (44:807-813, 2001) reported an almost 90%
A study published in the Journal of the AmericanAcademy of Dermatology (44:807-813, 2001) reported an almost 90% clearance of superficial basal cell carcinoma followingdaily application of imiquimod (Aldara) 5% cream for 6 weeks.
In this multicenter, phase II trial conducted in Australia and New Zealand,99 patients applied imiquimod to a single biopsy-proven superficial basal cellcarcinoma tumor. Treatment efficacy was measured by complete histologicclearance of the carcinoma in the posttreatment biopsy. Of the 33 patients usingthe once-daily regimen, 87.9% showed complete clearance of superficial tumor.The most frequently reported reactions were itching, pain, and discharge at thetarget tumor site. With the exception of itching, which was reported by almostthe same percentage of patients in both regimens, the percentage of patientsreporting pain and discharge decreased as dosing frequency decreased.
