Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Basal cell carcinoma accounts for 90% of malignant eyelid tumors. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, but other forms of therapy have been proposed when patients refuse surgery or when surgical therapy is contraindicate for medical or cosmetic reasons. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical Imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of eyelid basal cell carcinoma. Methods: : Imiquimod 5% cream was applied topically once daily, three days a week for eight–twelve weeks, in two patients affected by eyelid nodular BCC. Patients were examined at the end of each week, for safety and efficacy evaluations. Slit–lamp examination of the ocular surface, observation and photography of the lesion were performed. Specific local skin reactions were assessed. Results: Complete response was obtained in both patients, after twelve and eight weeks. No severe local side effects were observed. Patients do not show any local recurrence after 6 months. Conclusions: Topical Imiquimod 5% cream, an immune response modifier, seems to be an effective and safe treatment modality for selected eyelid nodular basal cell carcinoma, but further long–term studies are needed.
Keywords: tumors • eyelid • immunomodulation/immunoregulation