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CancerQuest > Drugs > Imiquimod (Aldara®)

Imiquimod (Aldara®)

Generic Name: Imiquimod Brand Name(s): Aldara® IUPAC: 3-(2-methylpropyl)-3,5,8-triazatricyclo[7.4.0.02,6]trideca-1(9),2(6),4,7,10,12-hexaen-7-amine FDA Approval: yes Manufacturer Link

Usage: Imiquimod is supplied as a cream (5% imiquimod) and applied externally to lesions. Conditions for which imiquimod is used include Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Actinic Keratosis, External genital warts. Imiquimod is currently under investigation (in humans) for its effectiveness in treating other skin cancers, including melanoma.⁽¹⁾

Mechanism: Imiquimod's (Aldara®) anti-cancer properties result from its ability to stimulate the body's own defenses (immune system) to destroy cancer cells. ⁽²⁾

Side Effects: Common side effects include itching/Burning at site of application, redness (erythema) at site of application, other skin reactions at the site of application.

References for this page:

1. Spenny ML, Walford J, Werchniak AE, Beltrani, Brennick JB, Storm CA, Perry AE, Chapman MS. Lentigo maligna (melanoma in situ) treated with imiquimod 5%: 12 case reports. 2007 Cutis 79(2) 149-152. [PUBMED]
2. Schon M, Schon MP. "The antitumoral mode of action of imiquimod and other imidazoquinolines." 2007. Current Medical Chemistry 14(6):681-687 [PUBMED]