Successful treatment and management of large superficial basal cell carcinomas with topical imiquimod 5% cream: a case series and review

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer in the Caucasian population and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Although surgical procedures show a high cure rate with acceptable morbidity, non-surgical, pharmacotherapeutic approaches have been regarded as appropriate alternatives, and/or first-line treatments, in selected cases. Imiquimod (IQ) is a synthetic imidazoquinoline amine that locally enhances, through cytokine induction, both innate and acquired immune pathways, resulting in immunomodulating, antiviral and antitumor effects. Topical IQ 5% cream is approved by the FDA and the European Union for the treatment of small superficial BCCs ([removed]