A 12-Day Course of Imiquimod 5% for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis: Effectiveness and Local Reactions.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:

Imiquimod is an excellent option for patients with actinic keratosis, although its use may be limited by the long course of treatment required (4 weeks) and the likelihood of local skin reactions. The objectives of the present study were to demonstrate the effectiveness of a 12-day course of imiquimod 5% for the treatment of actinic keratosis and to examine the association between treatment effectiveness and severity of local reactions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We included patients with at least 8 actinic keratoses treated with imiquimod 5% cream for 12 consecutive days. Local reactions were classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The statistical analysis of the association between local reactions and clinical response was based on the Pearson χ2 test and the Spearman rank correlation test.

RESULTS:

Sixty-five patients completed the study. Complete response was recorded in 52.3% and partial response in 75.4%. We found a statistically significant association between severity of the local reaction and response to treatment in both the Pearson χ2 test and the Spearman rank correlation test.

CONCLUSIONS:

A 12-day course of imiquimod 5% proved effective for the treatment of actinic keratosis. Severity of local reactions during treatment was correlated with clinical response.

• Authors: C Serra-Guillén, E Nagore, B Llombart, O Sanmartín, C Requena, L Calomarde, C Guillén
• Journal: Actas dermo-sifiliograficas (Actas Dermosifiliogr (Engl Ed)) Vol. 109 Issue 3 Pg. 248-253 (Apr 2018) ISSN: 2173-5778 [Electronic] Spain
• Vernacular Title: Tratamiento con imiquimod al 5% durante 12 días para las queratosis actínicas: estudio de la eficacia y la reacción local.
• PMID: 29246367 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2017 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Interferon Inducers
• Imiquimod

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Female
• Humans
• Imiquimod (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Interferon Inducers (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Keratosis, Actinic (drug therapy)
• Male
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome