Standard treatment for lentigo maligna (LM) is surgical excision with 5 to 10 mm margins. This can be cosmetically disfiguring. Imiquimod locally induces Toll-like receptors to release cytokines that destroy neoplastic melanocytes.
Objective:
The off-label use of topical 5% imiquimod cream may provide an alternative to surgery. This study reviews the use of imiquimod to treat LM.
Methods:
A 5-year retrospective and prospective chart analysis was conducted. Pretreatment biopsies confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment was individualized for each patient. Posttreatment biopsies and dermoscopy determined clearance of LM.
Results:
Twenty-seven patients were reviewed. There were 20 responders (74.1%) and 7 failures. The mean tumor size (area of an ellipse) was 6.69 cm2, and the mean treatment duration was 17.68 weeks. Neither the size of the tumor (p = .86) nor treatment duration (p = .18) was related to resolution of the lesion.
Conclusion:
Imiquimod is an effective treatment for LM that provides patients with a cosmetically favorable outcome when standard surgery is not an option.
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