Imiquimod in the treatment of eyelid basal cell carcinoma.

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of topical imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of eyelid basal cell carcinoma.

Methods: Four patients with eyelid basal cell carcinoma were treated with imiquimod once daily, 5 days per week, for 6 weeks. Tissue biopsy was taken and clinical examination with slit-lamp microscopy was performed at the beginning of the study and after a follow-up of 12 weeks. Photographic follow-up was performed from the baseline visit to 6, 12 and 26 weeks.

Results: In the 12-week follow-up after imiquimod treatment, histopathological tissue sample analysis showed no signs of basal cell carcinoma in any of the patients.

Conclusions: The results indicate that 5% imiquimod cream with topical administration may represent a new therapy option for eyelid basal cell carcinoma.