Immunotherapy with imiquimod 5% cream for eyelid nodular basal cell carcinoma.

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of eyelid basal cell carcinoma. Two interventional case reports. Imiquimod 5% cream was applied topically once daily, 3 days a week for 8 to 12 weeks, in two patients affected by eyelid nodular basal cell carcinoma. Patients were followed up clinically with slit-lamp examination for evidence of tumor disappearance or recurrence, and local and systemic side effects. Complete clinical response was obtained in both patients. No severe local side effects were observed. Patients did not show any local recurrence after 1 year. Topical imiquimod 5% cream seems to be a useful treatment for eyelid nodular basal cell carcinoma in selected cases, but further long-term studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of this approach.