Density of dendritic cells around basal cell carcinomas is related to tumor size, anatomical site and stromal characteristics, and might be responsible for the response to topical therapy.

Background: The dermal dendritic cell (DC) is considered to be an important component of the host defense against basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). Imiquimod, an immunologic response modifier, has recently been introduced in the topical therapy of BCCs. There is some evidence that the DC pretreatment density may affect the efficacy of imiquimod.