Imiquimod 5% Cream for the Treatment of Periocular Basal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

PURPOSE: The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 5% imiquimod cream in the treatment of periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) through the analysis of a case series. METHODS: Eight subjects with primary nodular BCC of the eyelid were recruited. Treatment lasted 10 to 16 weeks. The average follow-up time was 11.7 months. RESULTS: Of a total of 10 lesions, 80% resolved clinically and histologically and have remained asymptomatic since. CONCLUSION: Imiquimod cream 5% was shown to be an attractive alternative to surgical treatment of periocular BCC. Future studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are expected to provide more accurate information on the efficacy and safety of the drug.