Unlocking the power of topical therapy for actinic keratosis

ARTICLE

Unlocking the power of topical therapy for actinic keratosis

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Dermatology

Efficacy

Several clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of imiquimod for the treatment of AK. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment in 2020 evaluated the results of 27 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared imiquimod to other treatments or placebo. The study found that imiquimod was significantly more effective than placebo in achieving complete clearance of AK lesions, with a relative risk of 2.63. Imiquimod was also found to be more effective than cryotherapy and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in achieving complete clearance, but less effective than photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Another study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2021 evaluated the long-term efficacy of imiquimod in preventing the development of SCC in patients with AK. The study followed 931 patients for an average of 4.4 years and found that imiquimod was associated with a 63% reduction in the risk of developing SCC compared to placebo. The study suggests that imiquimod may be a useful long-term treatment option for patients with AK.

Latest developments

Recent research has focused on improving the efficacy and tolerability of imiquimod for the treatment of AK. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2021 evaluated the use of a combination of imiquimod and 5-FU for the treatment of AK. The study found that the combination therapy was more effective than either imiquimod or 5-FU alone in achieving complete clearance of AK lesions, with fewer adverse effects compared to 5-FU alone.

Another study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment in 2020 evaluated the use of a 3.75% imiquimod cream for the treatment of AK. The study found that the 3.75% imiquimod cream was more effective than the standard 5% imiquimod cream in achieving complete clearance of AK lesions, with a similar safety profile. The lower concentration of imiquimod may be beneficial in reducing the incidence and severity of local skin reactions associated with treatment.

References available on request.