Successful treatment of three cases of primary extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva with Imiquimod--proposal of a therapeutic schedule.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIM:

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is an intraepidermal adenocarcinoma of apocrine gland-bearing skin. Although surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, loss of tissue function and high recurrence rates have been reported. Recently, topical Imiquimod has been shown as a safe and effective treatment option for extramammary Paget's disease.

METHODS:

Three patients diagnosed of EMPD of the vulva were treated with a daily application of 5% Imiquimod cream for three weeks, followed by an every other day application for an additional three weeks.

RESULTS:

Complete clinical and histological remission of the disease was achieved in the three patients. Mild irritation and tenderness were observed as the only side effects.

CONCLUSION:

Based on our results, we consider that Imiquimod cream is a safe and effective therapeutic option for the treatment of vulvar EMPD. These promising results warrant further studies to determine the real efficacy and safety of Imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of this uncommon disease.

• Authors: E Sendagorta, P Herranz, M Feito, P Ramírez, U Floristán, R Feltes, D M Benito, M Casado
• Journal: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol) Vol. 24 Issue 4 Pg. 490-2 (Apr 2010) ISSN: 1468-3083 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19840203 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Aminoquinolines
• Antineoplastic Agents
• Imiquimod

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Aminoquinolines (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Antineoplastic Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Humans
• Imiquimod
• Middle Aged
• Paget Disease, Extramammary (drug therapy)
• Remission Induction
• Skin Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Vulvar Neoplasms (drug therapy)