Topical imiquimod may be effective alternative to surgery for melanoma in situ

Source: Healio, April 2017

Topical imiquimod cream may be an effective treatment for patients with melanoma in situ who are not candidates for surgery, according to long-term study outcomes published in Dermatologic Surgery.

Researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of 12 white patients with biopsy-proven melanoma in situ (seven men; average age, 79 years) who were treated with topical 5% imiquimod cream between 2004 and 2015 at the dermatology section of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire.

Patients were instructed to apply the cream over the affected area for 6 to 12 weeks daily or on weekdays. Patients were excluded from analysis if they had undergone surgical treatment for melanoma in situ.