Efficacy and tolerability of imiquimod 5% cream to treat periocular basal cell carcinomas

Emerging therapeutic options for periorbital and orbital cutaneous basal and squamous cell carcinomas

PURPOSE

Recently, several new therapies have emerged to address locally advanced cutaneous basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Given the constraints of the ocular adnexa and orbit, this review was designed to discuss the role of these modalities in this region.

METHODS

A PubMed search was carried out to analyze the utility of United States Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies to address these malignancies. The data presented in the identified investigations were analyzed and abstracted.

RESULTS

Multiple novel interventions may be useful in the management of periocular cutaneous basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, including imiquimod, hedgehog inhibitors, and immunotherapy. While many of these treatments have not been specifically explored in the orbit and ocular adnexa, the literature generally shows favorable response rates. However, adverse events were common in these studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Several novel treatments may address periorbital cutaneous malignancies, and these therapies may be particularly useful in patients with unresectable disease and those who are poor surgical candidates.

Topical Imiquimod as a Treatment Option for Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Surgical excision is considered standard treatment for nodular basal cell carcinoma (nBCC). However, patients who reject or are unsuited for surgery may benefit from imiquimod (IMQ) 5% cream as an alternative treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the efficacy and safety of IMQ for the treatment of nBCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The terms basal cell carcinoma AND imiquimod OR Aldara were searched on Ovid-MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Articles were included if they reported the efficacy or side effects of IMQ for nBCC. Primary outcomes included clearance (clinical and histological), recurrence rates, and adverse events. Number of lesions/subjects, treatment regimens, length of treatment, and time to recurrence were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine publications, totaling 738 lesions, revealed a 77.4% (335/433 lesions) clinical and 72.9% (390/535 lesions) histological clearance rate. Regimens ranged from once daily 2 days a week to twice daily 7 days a week. Average treatment duration was 8.81 (±3.49) weeks. There was a 1.80% recurrence rate after an average follow-up period of 13.03 (±15.09) months. Common adverse effects included erythema (77.2%), crusting (50.5%), pruritus (34.1%), tenderness/irritation (27.3%), ulceration (25.4%), burning (22.1%), and erosion (21.7%). Unforeseen side effects included conjunctivitis, keratitis, depigmentation, comedone formation, and ruptured epidermoid cysts.

CONCLUSION

Imiquimod showed clinical and histological clearance rates of over 70% for nBCC, with a recurrence rate of 1.80%. Although clearance rates are lower than surgery, IMQ can be considered as a treatment option for nBCC in those who decline or are unfit for surgical intervention.

Periocular basal cell carcinoma - clinical perspectives

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) as a non-melanoma skin cancer type is the most common malignant tumor throughout the world. The incidence is higher in age over 60. The intense of exposure to ultraviolet radiation is one of the known risk factors. Over 50% of BCC of the periocular region initially occur on the lower lid and inner angle. Literature review of treatment options for basal cell carcinoma, which consist of surgery, or combined techniques plus vismodegib, radiotherapy and imiquimod. The first consideration for treatment of periocular BCC is radical surgical excision using Mohs micrographic technique. Functional and esthetic outcome in patients are important after clear excisions and reconstruction should be carefully considered. Radical exenteration is considered in the case of orbital invasion of high-risk aggressive BCC.

Regression of Periocular Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Report of Four Cases with Clinicopathologic Correlation

Objectives

To describe the spectrum of clinical and histopathological features of a case series of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with spontaneous regression and to discuss this phenomenon.

Method

Four cases of BCC with complete/substantial regression were retrospectively identified. Patients' records were analyzed for demographic data, clinical appearance, and the postoperative course. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens were routinely processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid Schiff.

Results

Complete (n = 1) or partial (n = 3) regression of BCC was observed in 4 patients. Two lesions at the medial canthus were histologically diagnosed as nodular BCC with significant regression. One lesion at the lower eyelid exhibited a complete regression which did not require surgical intervention. The other lesion at the lower eyelid presenting with ulceration and madarosis was excised. Scar tissue without evidence for a neoplasm was present histologically. Subsequently, the patient developed a recurrence with a histologically proven micronodular BCC.

Conclusions

BCC can show spontaneous substantial or complete regression. Histological tumor absence in lesions which are clinically suspicious for a neoplasm can be a hint for a regressive BCC. Recurrences may develop from remaining tumor islands warranting periodical clinical visits in cases of clinically as well as histologically suspected regressive BCC.

Imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of large nodular basal cell carcinoma at the medial canthal area

Context (Background):

Imiquimod (IMQ) 5% cream is an immunomodulatory and antitumorigenic agent, which was used as a topical treatment regimen, who had periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Aim:

This study aims to present three cases with large BCC at the medial canthal area treated with IMQ 5% cream.

Materials and Methods:

IMQ 5% cream was used in three patients with ages 45, 49, and 73 who preferred medical treatment over surgery. Following incisional biopsy IMQ cream was used once a day, 5 times a week and the patients were followed up weekly during 12 week treatment period and monthly after the clearance of the lesion.

Results:

Erythema and erosion on the surface of the lesion, injection of conjunctiva, burning and itching sensation, epiphora and punctate keratitis were seen in all patients during the treatment period. The ophthalmic side effects could be managed by topical lubricating eye drops and the inflammatory reactions resolved within 1 month after cessation of therapy. The patients were followed up for at least 3 years without tumor recurrence and the biopsies taken from the suspected area were found to be tumor free.

Conclusion:

Surgical excision of carcinoma of the eyelid at medial canthal area can be difficult without causing damage to the lacrimal system and reconstruction of the defect may need grafts or flaps. IMQ may provide an alternative therapy to surgery in certain cases.

Ocular basal cell carcinoma: a brief literature review of clinical diagnosis and treatment

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common malignant tumor throughout the world. One of the known risk factors of BCC is intense exposure to ultraviolet radiation. More than 50% of BCCs of the eyelid initially occur on the lower lid. The gold standard of diagnosis of BCC is histopathology. Treatment options for BCC consist of surgery, vismodegib, radiotherapy and imiquimod. Surgical excision using Mohs micrographic surgery or wide surgical excision with frozen section margin control is the first consideration for treatment of periocular BCC. Eyelid reconstruction should be carefully considered as both function and esthetic outcome in patients are important after clear excision of tumors. Exenteration is considered in the case of extensive orbital invasion or high-risk aggressive tumors in order to reduce the rate of recurrence.

Topical Imiquimod in the Treatment of Conjunctival Actinic Keratosis

Conjunctival actinic keratosis is rare and difficult to treat, as recurrences are common. Imiquimod, an immune response modulator, is currently Food and Drug Administration-approved for cutaneous actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinomas. Emerging reports have shown it to be effective in treating some periocular and conjunctival lesions. The authors present a case of a 68-year-old white man with recurrent actinic keratosis involving the pretarsal conjunctiva, which was successfully treated with 5% topical imiquimod following previous failure with cryotherapy and interferon α-2b. The patient had ocular irritation that resolved on cessation of treatment. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of conjunctival actinic keratosis being treated with and successfully eradicated by topical imiquimod.

Topical imiquimod 5% as an alternative therapy in periocular basal cell carcinoma in two patients with surgical contraindication

CLINICAL CASES

The cases are presented of two patients with periocular basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid who received topical imiquimod 5%, with a good response. Both had a functional state that contraindicated surgical treatment.

CONCLUSION

Imiquimod cream 5% was shown to be an effective alternative to surgical treatment of periocular basal cell carcinoma, especially in those cases where surgery is not possible.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation of BALB/c mice

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory immune disease with undefined pathogenesis. It is associated with T cells, and the IL-23/IL17 axis is believed to be crucial in the pathogenesis. The present treatments have side effects that influence the compliance of patients. Tea polyphenol is extracted from tea polyphenols, and its main active ingredient is Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-ultraviolet radiation effects. Here, we aim to report that EGCG can inhibit imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like inflammation.

Methods

We used BALB/c mice, which were topically treated with IMQ for 6 consecutive days, as a psoriasis mouse model. Topical application of EGCG and treatment with EGCG were conducted in the experiments. Then observed the effects of the two methods on psoriasis-like mice dermatitis. Statistics are presented as the means ± standard error of mean (SEM) and compared using unpaired two-tailed Student’s t tests or one-way ANOVA.

Results

Topical application of EGCG alleviated psoriasiform dermatitis, improved the skin pathological structure by reduce the expression of epidermal PCNA, promoted the expression of caspase-14. Treatment with EGCG attenuated skin inflammation, accompanied by reduced infiltrations of T cells; reduced percentages of CD11c⁺ DC in the composition of immunocytes of spleens; reduced levels of interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, IL-23 and malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma; increased percentages of CD4⁺ T cells in the composition of immunocytes of spleens; and increased bioactivities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in plasma.

Conclusions

All the results demonstrated that EGCG had anti-inflammatory, immune regulatory and antioxidant effects. It is a promising intervention in psoriasis in the future.

Cryosurgery during Imiquimod (Immunocryosurgery) for Periocular Basal Cell Carcinomas: An Efficacious Minimally Invasive Treatment Alternative

BACKGROUND/AIM

Periocular basal cell carcinomas (pBCC) remain a treatment challenge. Our aim was to retrospectively evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of immunocryosurgery for the treatment of pBCC.

METHODS

Immunocryosurgery is given in 5-week cycles of daily imiquimod, with cryosurgery on day 14. Patients treated between 1/1/2008 and 31/12/2014 were included in this study.

RESULTS

Immunocryosurgery was offered to 19 patients. Of these, 16 (i.e., 6 males and 10 females, average age 74.9 years, median tumor diameter 15 mm, range 5-60 mm), with 1 tumor each, were treated. Six tumors (37.5%) were relapses after surgery and 2 were of metatypical histology. All BCC were high risk for recurrence after treatment; 10 tumors had 2 risk factors for relapse, 5 had 3, and 1 had 4. The follow-up period ranged between 3 and 60 months (average 25.6 months). Of the 16 tumors treated, 14 (all with a diameter <40 mm) cleared with immunocryosurgery (total efficacy 87.5%); 7 out of 16 tumors (44%; all with a diameter ≤20 mm) cleared with 1 conventional 5-week immunocryosurgery treatment cycle. Seven additional tumors (including 2 with a diameter >20 mm) required intensified treatment schemes (of up to 10 weeks) for clearance. The 2 tumors that did not clear responded partially and were also the 2 largest ones (diameter 40 and 60 mm). Of the 14 cleared tumors, 2 relapsed during follow-up; 1 cleared with immunocryosurgery. At the last examination during follow-up, 13 out of 16 (81%) patients were in sustained clinical remission.

CONCLUSIONS

For most pBCC, immunocryosurgery is a feasible and efficacious alternative to surgical excision.

Imiquimod cream efficacy in the treatment of periocular nodular basal cell carcinoma: a non-randomized trial

Background

The recurrence rate of periocular nodular basal cell carcinoma (PNBCC) following treatment with imiquimod (IMQ) has not yet been established. Previous studies did not include histological follow-up. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of topical immunotherapy with 5% IMQ cream for the treatment of PNBCC.

Methods

Study design: A prospective, non-randomized, and uncontrolled longitudinal case series study. No participants were blinded. Punch biopsy confirmed PNBCC patients were included at the Ophthalmology Clinic of São Paulo University Medicine School Hospital (from 2008 to 2012). Patients were treated with 5% IMQ cream once a day, 5 days per week, for 8–16 weeks. Standard lesion photographic documentation was done during the study. Three months after treatment ended, an image-guided biopsy was performed. Patients were followed at 6-month intervals and annually for control biopsies. Main outcome measures were clinical and histological clearance rates. Data were analysed by frequency distribution for qualitative group characteristics and central tendency measures for quantitative data.

Results

Twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria, 19 of whom remained until the end of treatment. The histological clearance rate was 89.5% and 84.2%, respectively, at 3 and 39.5 months. The 3-year histological clearance rate was 81.8% (9/11) for lesions >10 mm, and 100% (8/8) for lesions <10 mm. Three patients did not tolerate the side effects of the medication and left the study. Two patients were excluded for treatment interruption related to comorbidities.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that 5% IMQ cream was a useful alternative treatment for NBBCC, especially for lesions <10 mm. IMQ also showed a significant neoadjuvant effect on lesions >10 mm.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov Registration Dec 3, 2008: #NCT 00803907.

Imiquimod 5% cream as an adjuvant pre-operative treatment for basal cell carcinoma of the periocular area

Despite national guidelines in the UK, patients with low-grade periocular malignancies frequently wait a period of months for their surgery. We have devised a protocol of pre-treatment with an immune modulator in an attempt to reduce the tumour size whilst patients await surgery. We present a case series of 5 patients who used Imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara) for 4 weeks as an adjuvant treatment prior to the excision of periocular nodular basal cell carcinomas. We also assessed tolerability of the cream using a visual analogue scale and recorded adverse events. Our patients had an average 22% reduction in tumour area (range 3.31%-39.64%) whilst awaiting surgery. The medication had a good tolerability profile and there were no ocular adverse events. Due to the promising results, this pilot study demonstrates the feasibility and value of a planned multicentre, prospective research project to further explore these initial findings.

Topical therapies for periorbital cutaneous malignancies: indications and treatment regimens

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To present a brief review of periorbital cutaneous tumorogenesis, highlighting the steps which might be amenable to topical treatments and then discuss the use of topical agents in the management of periorbital skin malignancy.

RECENT FINDINGS

A rapid expansion in the understanding of the pathogenesis of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer has allowed the development of a number of topical agents targeting specific tumor-forming processes. Topical agents have been shown to be effective in the management of periorbital skin malignancy.

SUMMARY

5-Fluorouracil and imiquimod have established roles in the management of periorbital skin malignancy. Newer agents such as ingenol mebutate, tazarotene, and diclofenac gel probably have evolving roles that require further research but show promise.

Treatment of facial Basal cell carcinoma: a review

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are locally destructive malignancies of the skin. They are the most common type of cancer in the western world. The lifetime incidence may be up to 39%. UV exposure is the most common risk factor. The majority of these tumours occur on the head and neck. Despite BCCs being relatively indolent the high incidence means that their treatment now contributes a significant and increasing workload for the health service. A good understanding of the options available is important. Management decisions may be influenced by various factors including the patient's age and comorbidities and the lesion subtype and location. Due to the importance of a good cosmetic and curative outcome for facial BCCs treatment decisions may differ significantly to those that would be made for BCCs arising elsewhere. There is little good randomized controlled data available comparing treatment modalities. Although traditionally standard excision has been the treatment of choice various other options are available including: Mohs micrographic surgery, curettage and cautery, cryosurgery, radiotherapy, topical imiquimod, photodynamic therapy and topical 5-fluorouracil. We discuss and review the literature and evidence base for the treatment options that are currently available for facial BCCs.