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Viral and Nonviral Uses of Imiquimod: A Review

  • Review
  • Published:
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

Background

Imiquimod is a topical immunomodulator that is indicated for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts. This drug has been recently approved for the treatment of actinic keratoses and superficial basal cell carcinoma. There is a growing body of evidence for its effectiveness in treating a variety of other skin conditions.

Objective

This review examines the role of imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of skin diseases such as actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinoma, Bowen’s disease, lentigo maligna, and extramammary Paget’s disease.

Methods

Published literature containing the words “Imiquimod” or “Aldara” was reviewed and summarized.

Results

This agent has demonstrated indirect antiviral and antitumor effects in animal models. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, imiquimod is an agonist for toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and is thought to act by inducing cytokines, such as interferon alpha (IFN-α), interleukin-12 (IL-12), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). These cytokines trigger the immune system to recognize the presence of a viral infection or tumor and the associated lesion is ultimately eradicated. Side effects are generally well tolerated with local skin reactions reported most frequently.

Conclusion

Imiquimod has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions.

Sommaire

Antécédents

Imiquimod est un immunomodulateur topique prescri dans le traitement des verrues génitales et périanales externes. Ce médicament a été récemment approuvé pour le traitement des kératoses actiniques et des carcinomes basocellulaires. Il y a de plus en plus de preuves soulignant son efficacité dans le traitement d’une variété d’autres troubles cutanés.

Objectif

Cette revue examine le rôle de la crème d’imiquimod à 5 % dans le traitement des troubles cutanés tels que les kératoses actiniques, les carcinomes basocellulaires, la maladie de Bowen, le mélanome malin à type de lentigo et la maladie de Paget extramammaire.

Méthode

Les textes publiés contenant les termes «Imiquimod» ou «Aldara» ont été revus et résumés.

Résultats

Cet agent a des effets antiviraux et antinéoplastiques chez les modéles animaux. Bien que le mécanisme d’action exact soit inconnu, l’imiquimod est un agoniste pour le récepteur TLR (Toll-like) 7. On pense qu’il agit en induisant des cytokines, telles que l’interféron alpha (IFN-α), l’interleukine-12 (IL-12), ainsi que les facteurs de nécrose tumorale alpha (TNF-α). Ces cytokines déclenchent la réaction du système immunitaire à la présence d’une infection virale ou d’une tumeur et la lésion connexe s’en trouve éradiquée. Les effets secondaires sont généralement bien tolérés, les réactions cutanées étant les plus fréquentes.

Conclusion

L’innocuité et l’efficacité de Limiquimod dans le traitement d’une varité de troubles cutanés ont été démontrées.

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Correspondence to Aditya K. Gupta.

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This work was supported in part by 3M Pharmaceuticals, London, Ontario, Canada.

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Gupta, A.K., Cherman, A. & Tyring, S.K. Viral and Nonviral Uses of Imiquimod: A Review. J Cutan Med Surg 8, 338–352 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10227-005-0023-5

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