Multicentre, open-label study using imiquimod 5% cream in one or two 4-week courses of treatment for multiple actinic keratoses on the head | Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)

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Citation
Tags

HERO ID

4287711

Reference Type

Journal Article

Title

Multicentre, open-label study using imiquimod 5% cream in one or two 4-week courses of treatment for multiple actinic keratoses on the head

Author(s)

Stockfleth, E; Sterry, W; Carey-Yard, M; Bichel, J

Year

2007

Is Peer Reviewed?

Yes

Journal

British Journal of Dermatology
ISSN: 0007-0963
EISSN: 1365-2133

Volume

157 Suppl 2

Page Numbers

41-46

Language

English

PMID

18067631

DOI

10.1111/j.1365-2133.2007.08272.x

Web of Science Id

WOS:000251417200009

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In the USA, Imiquimod 5% cream is approved for use 2-3 times per week over 16 weeks for the treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs). This study evaluated the efficacy of imiquimod in another treatment schedule, for AKs on the head.

DESIGN: Open-label, phase IIIb.

SETTING: 180 dermatology clinics and practices in Germany.

PATIENTS: Patients were eligible if they had clinically typical, visible AK lesions located anywhere on the head, excluding the upper and lower eyelids, nostrils, lip vermilion, and inside the ears.

INTERVENTIONS: Patients applied study cream to the treatment area once daily 3x/week for 4 weeks (course 1) followed by a 4-week post-treatment period. Patients with AK lesions remaining in the treatment area underwent a second 4-week treatment course.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary variable was the complete clearance rate, defined as the proportion of patients with no clinically visible AK lesions in the treatment area at the course 1 or course 2 post-treatment visit.

RESULTS: 829 patients entered the study. Overall, the complete clearance rate was 68.9% (571/829) and the partial clearance rate (percentage of patients with >/= 75% reduction in the number of baseline AK lesions) was 80.2%. Local skin reactions (LSRs) and application site reactions (ASRs) were the most commonly reported adverse events. Four patients discontinued from the study due to LSRs or ASRs.

CONCLUSIONS: Shorter treatment regimen of imiquimod 5% cream can produce complete clearance rates similar to those seen with 16 weeks of treatment and has the advantage of lower drug exposure, resulting in a better benefit-risk profile for the patient.