Imiquimod chemotherapy adjuvant periocular BCC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Imiquimod used as an adjuvant treatment for periocular basal cell carcinoma in patients awaiting surgical treatment
IRAS ID
122404
Contact name
Carole A Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Research summary
Basal Cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin malignancy in the caucasian population. This cancer typically appears in sun exposed areas. BCC grows slowly and have a very low metasatic(spread to distant tissues and organs) potential, but they cause focal destruction as they expand into surrounding tissues. This is of particular importance in the periocular area due to the proximity of the eye. Although srugical removal with histopathological confirmation of clear margins remains the treatment of choice, it sometimes requires wide excisions which necessitate major lid reconstruction with the danger of poor functional or cosmetic results.
Recently, immunotherapy with imiquimod 5% topical cream an immune response modifier, has also been added to the therapeutic options to treat periocular BCCs. Imiquimod has demonstrated efficacy as the sole treatment modality to treat small BCCs and has become part of routine practice within the oculoplastic department at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells. However, the national gold standard for management of periocular BBCs remains surgical excision, and there is an absence of high level studies comparing imiquimod with standard treatment, or investigating the effect of imiquimod when used as an adjust to standard treatment. We propose a pilot study, ahead of a planned multi- centre randomized trial of imiquimod for periocular BCCs, which aims to describe the efficacy and adverse event profile of adjuvant pre - operative imiquimod therapy for periocular BCCs.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0652
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion