Erythroplasia of Queyrat treated with imiquimod 5% cream

Abstract

Imiquimod is an immune response-modifying agent with potent antiviral and antitumor activity effective in the treatment of various skin disorders, including in situ carcinoma of the skin (Bowen's disease). The case of a 64-year-old man affected by an in situ carcinoma of the glans mucosa, namely erythroplasia of Queyrat, successfully treated with imiquimod 5% cream is described. Because the results of tests for human papillomavirus infection were negative in this case, we suggest that imiquimod may have acted through an antitumor effect mediated by cytokine activation. This compound may represent an alternative treatment in patients with erythroplasia of Queyrat, although the dosing schedule and treatment duration require further evaluation.