IMIQUIMOD

Imiquimod is a chemical that boosts the immune response by inducing helper lymphocytes (CD4 lymphocytes) to produce more cytokines (chemicals that amplify the immune response). It is new form of treatment for several skin diseases and it is applied to the skin lesions.

Imiquimod acts on toll receptors. These are areas on the lymphocyte’s surface that normally bind bacterial proteins and this event causes the lymphocyte to release cytokines.

bacterial protein

CYTOKINES are released and boost the immune response. These chemicals no only affect other lymphocytes, but also blood vessels, and other cells within the skin.

Imiquimod has been successfully used to treat warts; mainly genital warts, pre-malignant skin lesions, and basal cell carcinomas.

It is applied three times a week to genital warts and between 50% and 66% disappear within 3 months. Imiquimod can cause inflammation where it is applied and sometimes patients have to have a break from therapy.

Imiquimod successfully clears solar keratoses and Bowen’s disease (squamous cell carcinoma-in-situ). It is applied once a day for 6 weeks. Again, it causes an inflammatory reaction that may require a break from therapy.