Self-administered topical imiquimod treatment of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. A report of four cases

J Reprod Med. 2000 Aug;45(8):619-23.

Abstract

Background: Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) generally can be classified into viral and nonviral etiologies. The histopathologic diagnosis is often separable into basaloid and warty types. A large percentage of VIN lesions have been shown to harbor human papillomavirus (HPV), principally type 16. Imiquimod, an immune response modifier, has been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of external and perianal genital warts caused by HPV.

Cases: Four cases occurred of clinical and histopathologically diagnosed viral VIN 3. An imiquimod treatment protocol, previously used in a study of this drug for the treatment of external genital warts, was followed. Imiquimod 5% cream was patient applied three times per week until all lesions cleared, for a maximum of 16 weeks.

Conclusion: Imiquimod may be an effective treatment modality for viral VIN 3 in the future.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / administration & dosage*
  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Adult
  • Aminoquinolines / administration & dosage*
  • Carcinoma in Situ / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma in Situ / virology
  • Condylomata Acuminata / drug therapy
  • Condylomata Acuminata / virology
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imiquimod
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / virology
  • Ointments
  • Papillomaviridae / isolation & purification
  • Self Administration
  • Tumor Virus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / virology
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / virology

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Aminoquinolines
  • Ointments
  • Imiquimod