Topical imiquimod for periocular lentigo maligna.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of topical imiquimod 5%, a local immune response modifier, in the treatment of periocular lentigo maligna.

Design: Retrospective, interventional case series.

Participants: Five consecutive patients with biopsy-proven periocular lentigo maligna.

Methods: Periocular lentigo maligna was treated with topical imiquimod 5%. The clinical features, treatment schedule, response to treatment, and complications were analyzed retrospectively.

Main Outcome Measures: Response to treatment and complications.

Results: The mean patient age was 73 years. The anatomic location of lentigo maligna was the medial canthal area in 2 patients, the lateral canthal area in 1 patient, and the lower eyelid in 2 patients. Topical imiquimod 5% was used for 5 days per week in 3 patients and for 7 days per week in 2 patients. The medication was placed only on the skin and not the globe. The mean duration of treatment was 9 months (range, 1-14 months). Lentigo maligna partially resolved in 3 patients and completely resolved in 2 patients. The most common side effects included localized erythema and discomfort (n = 4), swelling (n = 3), and cutaneous excoriation (n = 2). There were no patients with toxicity to the conjunctiva, cornea, or globe. Treatment was discontinued in 2 patients (one temporarily and the other permanently) because of intolerable local side effects of discomfort, redness, swelling, and cutaneous excoriation. There was no recurrence of lentigo maligna in those with complete or partial response (mean follow-up, 20 months).

Conclusions: Periocular lentigo maligna seems to respond to topical imiquimod 5% treatment. Topical imiquimod 5% treatment for periocular lentigo melanoma deserves further study.

Financial Disclosure(s): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.