Sequential Treatment of Superficial Basal Cell Carcinomas With Topical Methyl Aminolevulinate Photodynamic Therapy and Imiquimod 5% Cream: A Retrospective Study of Clinical and Cosmetic Outcomes.
Dermatol Surg 2021;
46:1272-1278. [PMID:
32011386 DOI:
10.1097/dss.0000000000002306]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) and imiquimod 5% (IMQ) cream are established treatments for superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). Both have high initial response rates and recurrence rates of up to 37%. Recent studies demonstrate that PDT and imiquimod may act on sBCCs via synergistic immunomodulatory pathways.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the sequential use of MAL-PDT and imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of sBCCs and report treatment tolerability, cosmetic outcomes, and efficacy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a retrospective case series of patients presenting over a 2-year period with primary sBCC who underwent 2 cycles of topical MAL-PDT, followed by 6 weeks of imiquimod 5% cream. Outcome measures were resolution of the index lesion at 3 months, side effects, cosmetic outcome, and long-term recurrence (LTR).
RESULTS
A total of 17 consecutive patients (n = 17) with a combined 21 sBCCs (n = 21) were included. The median length of follow-up was 72 months (range 24-95 months). Long-term recurrence occurred in 2/21 lesions (10%).
CONCLUSION
Sequential use of PDT and imiquimod was well tolerated with good cosmetic outcomes. The 10% LTR rate is at the lower end of the range reported for single modality treatment; however, larger samples are required to evaluate efficacy differences.
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