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Spontaneous regression of keratoacanthoma can be promoted by topical treatment with imiquimod cream
Author(s) -
Di Lernia V,
Ricci C,
Albertini G
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of the european academy of dermatology and venereology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.655
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1468-3083
pISSN - 0926-9959
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2004.01025.x
Subject(s) - imiquimod , medicine , keratoacanthoma , dermatology , clearance , immune system , genital warts , sex organ , immunology , basal cell , urology , syphilis , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , biology , genetics
Imiquimod, the first member of a new class of immune response modifiers, is approved for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts. Recently, many clinical trials highlighted the potential of imiquimod as a treatment for other viral infections and cutaneous neoplasms. We report two cases of facial keratoacanthomas (KA) treated with topical 5% imiquimod cream. Patients were successfully cleared of KAs after treatment for 8 weeks. No recurrence occurred after a 1‐year follow‐up. Despite the fact that KAs are characterized by the potential for spontaneous regression, it is possible that a faster activation of CD4+ lymphocytes, via interferon release and cytokine secretion takes place after imiquimod application leading to KA regression.