Does imiquimod work on melanoma?
We observed complete clinical and histopathologic remission of papules, plaques, and nodules in 2 patients with metastatic melanoma to the skin. Our findings indicate that topical imiquimod is a novel and potentially promising therapeutic approach for the local treatment of cutaneous melanoma metastases.
Can you treat melanoma with cream?
Imiquimod is a topical cream approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, and genital-perianal warts. Its successful use in patients with persistently positive margins of melanoma in situ (MIS) after surgical excision has been previously reported.
Does Aldara cream work on squamous cell carcinoma?
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Aldara™ (imiquimod 5% cream) effectively treats squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the skin.
How effective is Aldara for skin cancer?
Aldara activates the immune system to produce a type of protein, known as interferon-alpha, to directly attack cancer cells. Pre-market research showed that Aldara was able to clear sBCC in 75% of treated individuals; in contrast, placebo cleared only 2% of treated sBCC.
Is melanoma in situ the same as lentigo maligna?
Lentigo maligna is a type of melanoma in situ. It is a slow growing lesion that appears in areas of skin that get a lot of sun exposure, such as the face or upper body. Because it grows slowly it can take years to develop. Similar to melanoma in situ, lentigo maligna has not spread and is only in the top layer of skin.
How is melanoma in situ treated?
Stage 0 melanoma (melanoma in situ) has not grown deeper than the top layer of the skin (the epidermis). It is usually treated by surgery (wide excision) to remove the melanoma and a small margin of normal skin around it. The removed sample is then sent to a lab to be looked at with a microscope.
How do I know if Aldara is working?
You may have redness, swelling, burning, itching, and tenderness. As the skin starts to heal, you will see scabs and flaking. These reactions indicate that the medicine is working. When a patient does not have a reaction, imiquimod tends to be ineffective.
Does melanoma in situ spread?
In situ melanomas don’t spread to other parts of the body or cause death, but if the tumor has an opportunity to grow even one millimeter deep into the skin, it can lead to more involved treatment and greater danger. If left untreated, it can metastasize and even become life-threatening.
Is melanoma in situ common?
With the inclusion of in situ tumors, melanoma is the third most common cancer type in men and the fourth most common in women.