@article{3117618,
    title = "Imiquimod: an immune response modifier in the treatment of precancerous
and skin cancer",
    author = "Papadavid, Evangelia and Stratigos, Alexandros J. and Falagas, Matthew and E.",
    journal = "Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy",
    year = "2007",
    volume = "8",
    number = "11",
    pages = "1743-1755",
    publisher = "TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD LONDON",
    issn = "1465-6566, 1744-7666",
    doi = "10.1517/14656566.8.11.1743",
    keywords = "actinic keratosis; basal cell carcinoma; imiquimod; off-label use;
precancerous lesions; skin cancer",
    abstract = "Actinic keratosis (AK) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are precancerous
and cancerous skin lesions that should be treated especially when
multiple or in cosmetically important areas. Apart from 5%
5-fluorouracil topical cream, which some feel is the gold standard
topical treatment for AK, several invasive treatment modalities are
available for AK and superficial BCC, such as cryotherapy,
electrodessication, carbon dioxide laser and surgery causing patients
discomfort and pain, pigmentary changes or necessitate multiple office
visits. Additionally, there are precancerous lesions that necessitate
non-invasive treatment with good esthetic results or skin cancer
refractory to invasive techniques. Imiquimod is an immune response
modifier approved by the FDA for the treatment of AK and superficial BCC
lesions and its use is gradually expanded to various off-label
precancerous and cancerous skin lesions."
}