Cutaneus cancers in elderly Medical treatment of actinic keratosis and superficial coutaneus cancers: imiquimod

Background

The aim of this work is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of imiquimod 5% cream used in the treatment of certain non-melanoma skin cancers.

Materials and methods

We treated 30 subjects: 5 actinic keratosis, 3 cheratoacanthomas, 5 cutaneous horns, 5 superficial basal cell carcinomas, 12 nodular basal cell carcinomas according to the therapeutic pattern - five applications a week for 6-12 weeks -. The patients with nodular forms could not be treated with surgery for severe chronic deseases, age, or refusal.

Results

Imiquimod 5% cream was effective and well tolerated both in actinic keratosis and in superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma.

Conclusions

The treatment of certain non-melanoma coutaneous toumors with imiquimod 5% cream, has been effective, without collateral effects; erythema, edema, vesicles, crusts and erosions with itching or burning in the application area, have been the most frequent adverse events which however did not cause the suspension of therapy.

A diligent and continuative follow-up is necessary.