Periocular Melanoma In Situ Treated With Imiquimod. Issue 5 (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elia, Maxwell D.; Lally, Sara E.; Hanlon, Allison M.; Choi, Jennifer N.; Servat, Juan J.; Shields, Jerry A.; Shields, Carol L.; Levin, Flora
• Is Part Of: Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. Volume 32:Issue 5(2016:Sep./Oct.)
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Eye -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Ophthalmic plastic surgery -- Periodicals; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.70592
• DOI: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000000554
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0740-9303

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of topical 5% imiquimod cream in the treatment of periocular melanoma in situ (lentigo maligna). Design: Retrospective case series. Subjects: There were 12 patients in this series, and the mean patient age was 77 years. The anatomical locations were the lower eyelid (n=5), upper and lower eyelid (n=4), lower eyelid including the eyelid margin (n=1), brow (n=1), and the medial canthus (n=1). Topical 5% imiquimod cream was used as a primary treatment (n=6) or as an adjunctive therapy following local excision (n=2), cryotherapy (n=2), or excisional biopsy with cryotherapy (n=2). Methods: Twelve patients with periocular melanoma in situ were treated with topical 5% imiquimod cream daily for a mean treatment period of 3.9 months. The clinical features of the patients and the responses to treatment were evaluated in a retrospective case series. Main Outcome Measures: Histologic clearance of atypical melanocytes. Results: Eleven patients achieved complete histologic clearance of atypical melanocytes on post-treatment biopsy. One patient could not tolerate local irritation from imiquimod and stopped in the first month of therapy with residual disease. The median follow-up time was 1.5 years. Side effects included redness (n=12), discomfort (n=6), swelling (n=4), ectropion (n=1), and conjunctival chemosis (n=1). The patients experienced no systemic side effects from the treatment. Conclusions: Topical 5% imiquimod cream is an effective option as primary or adjunct therapy in the treatment of periocular melanoma in situ. Abstract : A review of 12 cases demonstrates that topical imiquimod 5% cream is an effective primary or adjunctive therapy for periocular melanoma in situ.