Vehicle-controlled, double-blind, randomized study of imiquimod 5% cream applied 3 days per week in one or two courses of treatment for actinic keratoses on the head.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

A shorter dosing regimen of imiquimod for the treatment of actinic keratosis may be effective, with long-term clinical benefits.

OBJECTIVE:

Imiquimod in one or two shorter courses of treatment was evaluated.

METHODS:

Patients with actinic keratosis lesions on the head applied imiquimod or vehicle cream 3x/wk for 4 weeks (course 1). Patients with remaining lesions received another course of treatment. Complete and partial clearance rates were evaluated after course 1, after course 2 (overall), and 1 year later.

RESULTS:

Complete clearance rates were 26.8% (course 1) and 53.7% (overall). Partial clearance rates were 36.6% (course 1) and 61.0% (overall). One-year follow-up recurrence rates were 39% (imiquimod) and 57% (vehicle).

LIMITATIONS:

Blinded investigators may have been biased toward patients treated with imiquimod identified by treatment site reactions.

CONCLUSION:

Imiquimod 3x/wk in one or two courses of treatment appears to be effective for the treatment of actinic keratoses on the head, providing long-term clinical benefits. Some recurrences do occur, so long-term follow-up is recommended.

• Authors: Joseph Jorizzo, Scott Dinehart, Robert Matheson, Jeffrey K Moore, Mark Ling, Terry L Fox, Scott McRae, Sandra Fielder, James H Lee
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 57 Issue 2 Pg. 265-8 (Aug 2007) ISSN: 1097-6787 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 17512087 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Aminoquinolines
• Ointments
• Imiquimod

Topics

• Adult
• Aminoquinolines (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Facial Dermatoses (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Imiquimod
• Keratosis (drug therapy)
• Male
• Ointments
• Photosensitivity Disorders (drug therapy)
• Recurrence
• Scalp Dermatoses (drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome