Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis syndrome in HIV-infected patients: a systematic review.

Congenital epidermodysplasia verruciformis (CEV) is a Genodermatosis linked to different inheritance patterns and mutations of the EVER1/TMC6 and EVER2/TMC8 genes. There is an acquired form (AEV) associated with immunodeficiency states, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; however, the literature about AEV is limited and imprecise, so a systematic review was performed. A search of the main databases from 1975 to 2021 identified 126 studies, of which 80 met the inclusion criteria. The diagnosis of AEV is complex due to atypical manifestations and locations, it requires a mean follow-up of 7 years, and the lesions do not change with ART therapy, CD4 count, or viral load. Histopathological findings are variable depending on the location of the lesions. HPV 5 remains the serotype most frequently associated with AEV and CEV, although HPV 20 is more frequent than HPV 8 in AEV. Most treatments have low efficacy, the most described are glycolic acid 15%, 5-fluorouracil 5%, imiquimod 5%, and topical retinoids all of them in monotherapy or combined with cryotherapy. Other alternatives include topical cidofovir and systemic retinoids with variable results. The oncologic prognosis is still inconclusive; however, the development of squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are frankly lower concerning CEV. This review opens new opportunities for future research. Additionally, we provide clear and useful key points for the practice of dermatologists and all professionals treating HIV patients around the world.

Lentigo maligna: a comprehensive review on diagnosis and treatment.

Lentigo maligna (LM), a form of melanoma in situ, and LM melanoma (LMM), its invasive counterpart, exhibit distinctive epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical features compared to other melanoma subtypes. Notably, LM occurs on chronically sun-damaged skin presenting as a slow-growing, ill-defined patch which makes it difficult to diagnose and to treat. Additionally, while LM generally presents a favourable prognosis, it can also lead to dermal invasion and behave similarly to other melanomas with the same Breslow thickness. Hence, surgery continues to be the cornerstone treatment. Wide excisions are often necessary, but challenges arise when these lesions manifest in cosmetically sensitive regions, limiting the feasibility and desirability of large excisions. Specialized approaches, including margin-controlled surgery and image-guided treatment with reflectance confocal microscopy, have been developed to address these issues. Other non-surgical treatments such as cryosurgery, imiquimod, radiotherapy, or photodynamic therapy, may also be used but commonly present with recurrent/persistent disease. Herein we comprehensively review the existing literature on the management of LM/LMM, and discus the potential new advances on managing this challenging skin cancer.

Successful management of chromoblastomycosis utilizing conventional antifungal agents and imiquimod therapy.

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM), a chronic fungal infection affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues, is predominantly caused by dematiaceous fungi in tropical and subtropical areas. Characteristically, CBM presents as plaques and nodules, often leading to scarring post-healing. Besides traditional diagnostic methods such as fungal microscopy, culture, and histopathology, dermatoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy can aid in diagnosis. The treatment of CBM is an extended and protracted process. Imiquimod, acting as an immune response modifier, boosts the host's immune response against CBM, and controls scar hyperplasia, thereby reducing the treatment duration. We present a case of CBM in Guangdong with characteristic reflectance confocal microscopy manifestations, effectively managed through a combination of itraconazole, terbinafine, and imiquimod, shedding light on novel strategies for managing this challenging condition.

In situ chemoimmunotherapy hydrogel elicits immunogenic cell death and evokes efficient antitumor immune response.

BACKGROUND: Chemoimmunotherapy has shown promising advantages of eliciting immunogenic cell death and activating anti-tumor immune responses. However, the systemic toxicity of chemotherapy and tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment limit the clinical application. METHODS: Here, an injectable sodium alginate hydrogel (ALG) loaded with nanoparticle albumin-bound-paclitaxel (Nab-PTX) and an immunostimulating agent R837 was developed for local administration. Two murine hepatocellular carcinoma and breast cancer models were established. The tumor-bearing mice received the peritumoral injection of R837/Nab-PTX/ALG once a week for two weeks. The antitumor efficacy, the immune response, and the tumor microenvironment were investigated. RESULTS: This chemoimmunotherapy hydrogel with sustained-release character was proven to have significant effects on killing tumor cells and inhibiting tumor growth. Peritumoral injection of our hydrogel caused little harm to normal organs and triggered a potent antitumor immune response against both hepatocellular carcinoma and breast cancer. In the tumor microenvironment, enhanced immunogenic cell death induced by the combination of Nab-PTX and R837 resulted in 3.30-fold infiltration of effector memory T cells and upregulation of 20 biological processes related to immune responses. CONCLUSIONS: Our strategy provides a novel insight into the combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy and has the potential for clinical translation.

A Systematic Review of the Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, Treatment, and Outcomes for Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma: Underscoring Mohs Micrographic Surgery in Management.

BACKGROUND: Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DTE) is an uncommon benign adnexal tumor that histologically may mimic malignant tumors including basal cell carcinoma and microcystic adnexal carcinoma. OBJECTIVE: To present a systematic review of the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome data on DTEs, with emphasis on comparing Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) with other treatments. METHODS: Using the OVID platform, MEDLINE and Embase were searched from inception for studies providing original data on DTEs. RESULTS: A total of 338 cases of DTE from 61 articles were included. No recurrence/persistence (0%) was reported following MMS ( n = 24, mean follow-up of 41.9 months), 13.1% with standard excision ( n = 38, mean follow-up 16.9 months), and 2.1% for electrosurgery/cautery ( n = 49, follow-up 3-72 months). 100% recurrence/persistence for imiquimod ( n = 2) and liquid nitrogen ( n = 4) were identified. In patients who underwent biopsy only, there was a 12.5% recurrence/persistence ( n = 32, mean follow-up 16.5 months). Overall, duration of follow-up varied from 2 months to 6 years for the various management strategies. CONCLUSION: Data are limited regarding DTE outcomes. In this review, surgical modalities, specifically MMS, had the lowest rates of recurrence/persistence compared with other options. Given that most lesions are found on cosmetically sensitive locations, MMS seems to be the optimal management strategy for actively managing DTEs.

Topical Delivery of microRNA-125b by Framework Nucleic Acids for Psoriasis Treatment.

Purpose: Psoriasis is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory dermatitis characterized by T cell imbalance and abnormal keratinocyte proliferation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) hold promise as therapeutic agents for this disease; however, their clinical application is hindered by poor stability and limited skin penetration. This study demonstrates the utilization of Framework Nucleic Acid (FNA) for the topical delivery of miRNAs in psoriasis treatment. Methods: By utilizing miRNA-125b as the model drug, FNA-miR-125b was synthesized via self-assembly. The successful synthesis and stability of FNA-miR-125b in bovine fetal serum (FBS) were verified through gel electrophoresis. Subsequently, flow cytometry was employed to investigate the cell internalization on HaCaT cells, while qPCR determined the effects of FNA-miR-125b on cellular functions. Additionally, the skin penetration ability of FNA-miR-125b was assessed. Finally, a topical administration study involving FNA-miR-125b cream on imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis mice was conducted to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy. Results: The FNA-miR-125b exhibited excellent stability, efficient cellular internalization, and potent inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation. In the psoriasis mouse model, FNA-miR-125b effectively penetrated the skin tissue, resulting in reduced epidermal thickness and PASI score, as well as decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines.

Unconjugated bilirubin and its derivative ameliorate IMQ-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice by inhibiting MMP9 and MAPK pathway.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease that involves dysregulated proliferation of keratinocytes. Psoriatic skin lesions are characterized by redness, thickness, and scaling. The interleukin axis of IL-23/IL-17 is critically involved in the development of human psoriasis. Imiquimod (IMQ), an agonist of TLR7 is known to induce psoriatic-like skin inflammation in mice. The topical application of IMQ induces systemic inflammation with increased proinflammatory cytokines in serum and secondary lymphoid organs. Further, matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of psoriatic-like skin inflammation. The increased MMP9 activity and gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines in IMQ-induced psoriatic skin is mediated by the activation of the MAPK pathway. Moreover, the increased expression of neutrophil-specific chemokines confirmed the infiltration of neutrophils at the site of psoriatic skin inflammation. In contrast, expression of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine gene expression is reduced in IMQ-treated mice skin. Topical application of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) and its derivative dimethyl ester of bilirubin (BD1) on IMQ-induced psoriatic mice skin significantly mitigated the symptoms of psoriasis by inhibiting the activity of MMP9. Further, UCB and BD1 reduced neutrophil infiltration as evidenced by decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and reduced gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and neutrophil-specific chemokines. Apart from these modulations UCB and BD1 reduced MAPK phosphorylation and upregulated anti-inflammatory cytokines. To conclude, UCB and BD1 immunomodulated the psoriatic skin inflammation induced by IMQ in mice by inhibiting neutrophil mediated MMP9, decreased proinflammatory cytokines gene expression and modulating the MAPK pathway.

Roles of tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A in γδT-cell activation and psoriasis pathogenesis.

Background: Interleukin (IL)-17-producing γδT (γδT17) cells mediate inflammatory responses in barrier tissues. Dysregulated γδT17 cell activation can lead to the overproduction of IL-17 and IL-22 and the development of inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis. IL-23 and IL-1ß are known to synergistically activate γδT17 cells, but the regulatory mechanisms of γδT17 cells have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to reveal the contribution of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A (TL1A) to γδT17 cell activation and psoriasis development. Methods: Anti-TL1A antibody was injected into an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced murine psoriasis model. TL1A receptor expression was analyzed in splenic and dermal γδT cells. γδT cells were tested for cytokine production in vitro and in vivo under stimulation with IL-23, IL-1ß, and TL1A. TL1A was applied to a psoriasis model induced by intradermal IL-23 injection. Mice deficient in γδT cells were intradermally injected with IL-23 plus TL1A to verify the contribution of TL1A-dependent γδT-cell activation to psoriasis development. Results: Neutralization of TL1A attenuated γδT17 cell activation in IMQ-treated skin. TL1A induced cytokine production by splenic γδT17 cells in synergy with IL-23. Dermal γδT17 cells constitutively expressed a TL1A receptor at high levels and vigorously produced IL-22 upon intradermal IL-23 and TL1A injection but not IL-23 alone. TL1A exacerbated the dermal symptoms induced by IL-23 injection in wild-type but not in γδT cell-deficient mice. Conclusion: These findings suggest a novel regulatory mechanism of γδT cells through TL1A and its involvement in psoriasis pathogenesis as a possible therapeutic target.

Imiquimod as a new treatment in refractory idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare chronic inflammatory lesion of the breast that mimics breast cancer or infection. Immunological pathogenesis is strongly suggested for the disease. REASON FOR THE REPORT: The treatment remains controversial, comprising a spectrum from observation or NSAIDs to immunosuppressive agents and surgery. Intractable cases are not uncommon and represent a major treatment challenge. Therefore in this study, we examine the effect of a topical immunomodulator agent, imiquimod, on refractory IGM. Patient 1 had IGM for 9 months and had not responded to the existing treatments. She responded to a 7-week course of imiquimod. In patient 2, the disease had begun 4 months sooner and had been resistant to all treatments; it responded to imiquimod after 4 weeks. Ulcers appeared on the skin of both patients but resolved safely. OUTCOME: Both patients were very satisfied with the results. Imiquimod can be an appropriate local treatment with limited adverse effects in refractory IGM. We propose similar studies to assess the efficacy of imiquimod in IGM further, paying attention to the possibility of developing skin wounds.

Chlorella vulgaris extract and Imiquimod as new therapeutic targets for leishmaniasis: An immunological approach.

The therapeutic regimen for the treatment of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) is targeted at the death of the parasite; therefore, it is essential to develop a treatment that can act on the parasite, combined with the modulation of the inflammatory profile. Thus, the aim of this study was to make an in vitro evaluation of the therapeutic potential of Chlorella vulgaris extract (CV) and Imiquimod for ATL. Selectivity indices (SI) were determined by inhibitory concentration assays (IC50) in L. braziliensis cells and cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) were measured in human cells using the MTT method, based on the CV microalgae extract (IC50 concentrations of 15.63 to 500 µg/mL; CC50 concentrations of 62.5-1000 µg/mL) in comparison with the reference drugs and Imiquimod. The immune response was evaluated in healthy human cells by gene expression (RT-qPCR) and cytokine production (Flow Cytometry). The CV extract (SI = 6.89) indicated promising results by showing higher SI than meglumine antimoniate (SI = 3.44) (reference drug). In all analyses, CV presented a protective profile by stimulating the production of Th1 profile cytokines to a larger extent than the reference drugs. Imiquimod showed a high expression for Tbx21, GATA3, RORc and Foxp3 genes, with increased production only of the TNF cytokine. Therefore, the data highlight the natural extract and Imiquimod as strong therapeutic or adjuvant candidates against ATL, owing to modulation of immune response profiles, low toxicity in human cells and toxic action on the parasite.

Methylprednisolone pulse-enhanced neutrophil extracellular trap formation in mice with imiquimod-induced lupus-like disease, resulting in ischaemia of the femoral head cartilage.

OBJECTIVES: Methylprednisolone (mPSL) pulse therapy is an essential option for patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus, but there is a risk of adverse events related to microcirculation disorders, including idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Recent studies have revealed that excessive neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are involved in microcirculation disorders. This study aimed to demonstrate that mPSL pulse could induce NETs in lupus mice and identify the factors contributing to this induction. METHODS: Six mice with imiquimod (IMQ)-induced lupus-like disease and six normal mice were intraperitoneally injected with mPSL on days 39 to 41, and five mice with IMQ-induced lupus-like disease and six normal mice were injected with phosphate-buffered saline. Pathological examinations were conducted to evaluate the ischaemic state of the femoral head and tissue infiltration of NET-forming neutrophils. Proteome analysis was performed to extract plasma proteins specifically elevated in mPSL-administered mice with IMQ-induced lupus-like disease, and their effects on NET formation were assessed in vitro. RESULTS: Mice with IMQ-induced lupus-like disease that received mPSL pulse demonstrated ischaemia of the femoral head cartilage with tissue infiltration of NET-forming neutrophils. Proteome analysis suggested that prenylcysteine oxidase 1 (PCYOX1) played a role in this phenomenon. The reaction of PCYOX1-containing very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) with its substrate farnesylcysteine (FC) induced NETs in vitro. The combined addition of IMQ and mPSL synergistically enhanced VLDL-plus-FC-induced NET formation. CONCLUSION: PCYOX1 and related factors are worthy of attention to understand the underlying mechanisms and create novel therapeutic strategies for mPSL-mediated microcirculation disorders, including ONFH.

Abordagens terapêuticas do Condiloma Acuminado em crianças e adolescentes / Therapeutic approaches to Condyloma Acuminatum in children and adolescents

Objetivos: A infecção pelo papiloma vírus humano dos tipos 6 e 11 pode evoluir para Condiloma Acuminado. Sua transmissão é principalmente via sexual, de forma que a presença dessas verrugas em crianças deve ser consi-derada sinal de alarme para investigação de abuso. Eventualmente, contudo, ocorre por autoinoculação ou fômites. O tratamento é desafiador, dado que apesar do extenso arsenal, a recorrência se faz comum. A presente revisão siste-mática advém a comparar taxas de sucesso das estratégias terapêuticas, objetivando fornecer substrato para escolhaacertada no tratamento da doença em crianças e adolescentes. Métodos: Foi realizada Revisão Sistemática baseada no GuidelinePreferred Report Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), registrada na Plataforma PROSPERO sob identificação CRD42021262090. Resultados: 211 estudos foram encontrados nasdatabases con-sultadas, de forma que 30 atenderam as propostas de critérios estabelecidos na pesquisa sistematizada. Esses pas-saram extração de dados para síntese qualitativa, demonstrando eficácia de métodos não-invasivos a invasivos.Conclusões: Mediante bons resultados em resolução da doença e reduzidos efeitos adversos, a terapia mais popular entre os autores foi o Imiquimode. A pesquisa chamou atenção à necessidade de estudos mais robustos e metodo-logias mais complexas acerca das abordagens terapêuticas do Condiloma Acuminado em crianças e adolescentes. (AU)

Objectives: Infection with human papillomavirus types 6 and 11 can progress to Condyloma acuminata. Its transmission is mainly sexual, so these warts in children should be considered an alarm signal for abuse investigation. Eventually, however, it occurs by autoinoculation or fomites. Treatment is challenging, given that despite the extensive arsenal, recurrence is common. The present systematic review compares the success rates of therapeutic strategies, aiming to provide a substrate for the right choice in the treatment of the disease in children and adolescents. Methods: Asystematic review was performed based on the guideline for Preferred Report Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), registered on the PROSPERO Platform under identification CRD42021262090. Results: 211 studies were found in thedatabasesconsulted, and 30 met the proposed criteria established in the systematic research. These passed data extraction for qualitative synthesis, demonstrating the effectiveness of non-invasive to invasive methods. Conclusions: Due to good results in disease resolution and reduced adverse effects, the most popular therapy among the authors was Imiquimod. The research called attention to the need for more robust studies and more complex methodologies about the therapeutic approaches of Condyloma Acuminatum in children and adolescents. (AU)

Tratamiento no quirúrgico, quirúrgico y reconstructivo del carcinoma basal de párpados / Non-surgical, surgical and reconstructive treatment of basal cell eyelid carcinoma

Se realizó una búsqueda sobre carcinoma basal de párpado, con el objetivo de describir el contexto actual del tratamiento quirúrgico, no quirúrgico y reconstructivo. Con el fin de eliminar el tumor con las menores secuelas funcionales y estéticas posibles, son aceptadas muchas opciones de tratamiento en el manejo actual de esta patología, que incluyen: tratamientos tópicos (imiquimod, interferones, vismodegib, sonidegib), procedimientos mínimamente invasivos (terapia fotodinámica), modalidades ablativas (curetaje, electrocauterización, criocirugía) y procedimientos altamente especializados (resección quirúrgica convencional, radioterapia o cirugía de Mohs). El tratamiento previo, el subtipo histológico, el sitio y el tamaño de la lesión deben considerarse en la planificación quirúrgica, porque se ha demostrado que afectan las tasas de curación. A partir de estos elementos, se desarrolló un algoritmo para el tratamiento del carcinoma basocelular que podría ayudar a elegir la técnica quirúrgica y los márgenes de seguridad, especialmente en lugares donde la cirugía micrográfica no está ampliamente disponible(AU)

A bibliographic search was conducted about basal eyelid carcinoma with the purpose of describing the current context of surgical, non-surgical and reconstructive treatment. Current management of this condition includes many treatment options aimed at removing the tumor with the least possible functional and esthetic sequels. Among them are the following: topical medication (imiquimod, interferons, vismodegib, sonidegib), minimally invasive procedures (photodynamic therapy), ablative therapy (curettage, electrocauterization, cryosurgery) and highly specialized procedures (conventional surgical resection, radiotherapy or Mohs surgery). Surgical planning should consider the previous treatment, the histological subtype, and the site and size of the lesion. These factors have been shown to affect cure rates. Based on these elements, an algorithm was developed for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma which may be useful in selecting the surgical technique and safety margins, particularly in settings where micrographic surgery is not widely available(AU)

Prevalencia y manejo de condilomas en población consultante en Chile: estudio "DIACON" / Prevalence and management of condylomas in consulting population in Chile: "DIACON study"

Resumen Introducción: Los condilomas o verrugas genitales (VG) son la infección de transmisión sexual (ITS) más diagnosticada en los centros de ITS en Chile, pero no existen estadísticas poblacionales. Objetivos: Describir la prevalencia de VG en pacientes de 18-60 años que acuden a consulta ambulatoria de dermatología, ginecología y urología; características demográficas de los pacientes y prácticas de diagnóstico y tratamiento. Material y Métodos: A una muestra de especialistas chilenos estratificados por región, población y sexo de pacientes se les proporcionó un diario de registro y aplicó un cuestionario. Resultados: Prevalencia VG grupo total: 2,4%; en grupo etario 18-34 años: 3,7%; en grupo etario 35-60 años: 1,29% (p = 0,0000). La edad media de los pacientes con VG fue 29,4 años en mujeres y 32,7 años en hombres (p = 0,019); la distribución por edad fue diferente según sexo y sistema de salud. La inspección visual fue el método diagnóstico más frecuente y la crema de imiquimod el tratamiento más común. Hubo diferencias en el uso de herramientas diagnósticas y terapéuticas según sexo del paciente, especialidad del médico y sistema de salud. Conclusiones: Existe una alta prevalencia de VG, que debería ser tomada en cuenta para planificar las intervenciones de salud pública para abordar este problema.

Introduction: Condylomas or genital warts (GW) are the most frequently diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) in STI centers in Chile, but there are no population statistics available. Objectives: To describe the prevalence of GW in patients from 18-60 years of age who attend outpatient dermatology, gynecology and urology practice; the demographic characteristics of the patients and the diagnostic and treatment tools. Methods: A sample of Chilean specialists stratified by region, population and gender of patients was provided with a logbook and answered a questionnaire. Results: The GW prevalence was 2.44% for the whole group; 3.76% for the 18-34 age group and 1.29% for the 35-60 years group (p = 0.0000). The average age of patients with GW was 29.4 years in women and 32.7 years in men (p = 0.019). The distribution by age was different according to gender and health system. Visual inspection was the most frequent diagnostic method used and imiquimod cream the most common treatment, however, there were differences in the use of diagnostic and therapeutic tools according to the patient's gender, specialty of the doctor and health system. Conclusions: The high prevalence of GW confirmed the need and importance of public health interventions to address this problem.

A case of chronic and relapsing paget disease of the vulva

Abstract Extramammary Paget disease is a rare neoplastic condition that more commonly affects postmenopausal Caucasian women. Although the vulvar area is the most frequently affected location, it corresponds solely to 1 to 2% of all vulvar malignancies. A 72-year-old female patient was observed in our outpatient clinic with a 2-year history of an erythematous and pruritic plaque on the vulva. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry studies were compatible with extramammary Paget disease of the vulva. Associated neoplastic conditions were excluded. Due to multiple relapses, the patient was submitted to three surgical interventions, including a total vulvectomy, and to external radiotherapy. The present case illustrates the chronic and recurrent nature of extramammary Paget disease despite aggressive procedures as well as the challenge in obtaining tumor-free resection margins.

Vegetative chronic genital herpes with satisfactory response to imiquimod

Abstract Vegetative chronic genital herpes is an atypical presentation of herpes simplex 2 that it is usually seen in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus. Clinically, it is characterized by extensive ulcers that evolve to chronification and hypertrophic pseudotumor forms. Antiviral drugs are recommended for the treatment, and acyclovir is the most used one. Foscarnet is the treatment of choice to resistant cases, although treatment failure has been reported. We report a male patient, previously diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus who developed vegetative chronic genital herpes resistant to acyclovir and successfully treated with imiquimod.

Análise retrospectiva de conduta para carcinoma basocelular e espinocelular em cabeça e pescoço / Retrospective analysis of treatment approaches used for basal and squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck

Introdução: O câncer de pele em cabeça e pescoço tem incidência crescente no mundo, sendo o carcinoma basocelular e espinocelular os tipos mais frequentes. Não existe consenso absoluto para todas as situações tumorais conforme tipo histológico, tamanho, profundidade e localização da lesão. O objetivo é analisar a conduta abordada nessas neoplasias de pele em cabeça e pescoço, com ênfase nos tratamentos efetuados, recidivas e seguimento. Método: Foram analisados 69 pacientes com carcinoma basocelular ou de células escamosas tratados por cirurgia com congelação da lesão no intraoperatório, crioterapia ou Imiquimod 5% por 6 semanas. Com 36 meses de seguimento, observou-se a eficácia do tratamento escolhido, recidiva, intercorrências, complicações e satisfação estética do paciente. A análise estatística utilizou o teste exato de Fischer. Resultados: O tipo de reconstrução mais frequente foi o fechamento primário (71%). Não existem associações estatisticamente relevantes relacionando idade, sexo, classificação de Fitzpatrick, local/ tamanho da lesão, métodos de tratamento e recidiva. As principais complicações resultaram das cirurgias: um caso de necrose de retalho frontal, lesão parcial de nervo bucinador, estenose narinária. A recidiva tumoral nos casos operados foi de 4%. A crioterapia e uso do Imiquimod 5% causaram seis casos de reações locais leves com mais recidiva descritiva no tratamento de carcinoma basocelular (CBC) superficial (não estatisticamente relevante). Conclusões: Os CBC não superficiais e carcinoma espinocelular devem ser tratados cirurgicamente. Os CBC superficiais podem ser tratados com crioterapia e uso do Imiquimod 5% com menos complicações e melhor resultado estético, mas a recidiva tumoral é maior.

Introduction: The incidence of skin cancer on the head and neck is increasing worldwide, and basal and squamous cell carcinomas represent the most frequent types. There is no unanimous consensus for all tumor cases, based on the histological type, size, depth, and location of the lesion. The objective is to analyzed the approach used in skin neoplasias in the head and neck, focusing on the treatments performed, recurrence, and follow-up. Methods: Sixty-nine patients with basal or squamous cell carcinoma who were treated with surgery, cryotherapy, freezing of lesions in the intraoperative period, or 5% imiquimod were analyzed for 6 weeks. During 36 months of follow-up, the efficacy of the chosen treatment, recurrence, side effects, complications, and esthetic satisfaction of patients were observed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher's exact test. Results: The most frequent type of reconstruction was primary closure (71%). There were no statistically significant correlations between age, sex, Fitzpatrick classification, location/size of lesion, method of treatment, or recurrence. The main complications resulting from surgery were: a case of a frontal flap necrosis, a partial lesion of the buccinator nerve, and nasal stenosis. There was a 4% tumor recurrence in patients treated with surgery. The cryotherapy and 5% imiquimod treatments resulted in six cases of mild local reactions with a more pronounced recurrence in a patient with superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (not statistically significant). Conclusions: Non-superficial BCC and squamous cell carcinomas should be treated with surgery. Superficial BCCs may be treated with cryotherapy and 5% imiquimod with fewer complications and better aesthetic results, but this results in higher tumor recurrence.

Tratamiento de las verrugas genitales: una actualización / Genital wart treatment: an update

La infección por el Virus del Papiloma Humano es una afección altamente prevalente a nivel mundial y una de sus consecuencias es la verruga genital externa o condiloma genital. El tratamiento de estas lesiones ha sido tradicionalmente difícil, debido a la alta recurrencia de las lesiones. Se revisan los aspectos más novedosos del tratamiento de las verrugas genitales. Las sinecatequinas y una nueva formulación de Imiquimod al 3,75% resaltan como las terapéuticas más novedosas, mientras que la terapia fotodinámica carece de evidencia científica adecuada como para recomendar su uso rutinario. Las vacunas profilácticas y terapéuticas parecen poseer un gran potencial pero aún se encuentran en fases iniciales de investigación. Es deseable estudios con un mayor número de pacientes y un seguimiento más prolongado, que permita una comparación directa de la efectividad entre las diferentes técnicas terapéuticas a corto y largo plazo.

Human Papillomavirus infection is a highly prevalent condition worldwide whose frequent consequence is the external genital wart or genital condyloma. The treatment for this condition has been traditionally difficult due to the recurrence of the lesions. The most innovative aspects of the treatment of genital wart, are reviewed. The sinecatechins and a new formulation of Imiquimod 3.75% stand out as the most innovative therapeutic, while photodynamic therapy lacks adequate scientific evidence to recommend its routine use. The prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines seem to have great potential but are still in early stages of research. Studies should be conducted with larger patient samples and longer follow-ups to allow comparison of the effectiveness among the different therapeutic techniques in the short and long term.

Efficacy of topical imiquimod in HIV-positive patients with recurrent anal condylomata acuminata

INTRODUCTION: Imiquimod is a topical chemotherapic and immunostimulant agent with antitumoral and antiviral activities, used for anal condylomata acuminata treatment, mainly in recurrences. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the imiquimod efficiency in chronic and recurrent anal condylomata acuminata in HIV-infected persons. METHOD: A prospective study that analyzed 61 patients with recurrent anal condylomata treated with topic 5% imiquimod, for at least 8 weeks. These patients had already been submitted to other topical and surgical treatments for anal warts. We evaluated the efficiency of this agent, through wart remission, with clinical examination and high-resolution anoscopy, CD4+ T lymphocyte count and side effects. The patients were 55 males and 6 females, from 22 to 63 years old. RESULTS: Remission was seen in 90%, being 46% complete remission and 44% partial remission. Other 10% did not respond to the treatment with imiquimod within the 16th week. Recurrences were observed in 11% of patients in 24-week follow-up. Statistics showed no differences in CD4+ T cell scores when groups with and without complete remission were compared. Adverse effects were reported by 45% of patients. They were mild to moderate burning (25%), intense burning (7%), ulcerative dermatitis (8%) and systemic symptoms (5%). CONCLUSION: Imiquimod was effective in controlling recurrent anal condylomata acuminata in HIV-positive patients, regardless of CD4+ T cell count. (AU)

INTRODUÇÃO: O imiquimode é agente tópico quimioterápico e imunoestimulante, com atividades antitumoral e antiviral, usado para tratamento dos condilomas acuminados perianais, principalmente os recidivantes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do imiquimode nos condilomas acuminados perianais crônicos e multirrecidivantes dos doentes soropositivos para o vírus da imunodeficiência adquirida (HIV). CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODO: Estudo clínico prospectivo por 12 meses em que observamos o uso tópico de imiquimode creme 5%, por no mínimo 8 semanas, em 61 portadores de condilomas acuminados perianais recidivantes e de difícil controle, e que já haviam sido submetidos a vários outros tratamentos clínicos e operatórios. Avaliamos a eficácia do produto quanto sua remissão (através de exame clínico e colposcópico), nível dos linfócitos T CD4+ e efeitos adversos. Foram 55 homens e 6 mulheres com idade entre 22 e 63 anos. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos 90% de remissão, sendo 46% de resposta completa, 44% de resposta parcial e 10% sem qualquer resposta em até 16 semanas de tratamento com imiquimode. A taxa de recidiva atingiu 11% em 24 semanas de seguimento. Quanto ao nível de linfócitos T CD4+, não observamos diferença estatística entre o grupo que atingiu remissão completa e o grupo que manteve lesões. Efeitos adversos foram relatados por 45% dos doentes, sendo ardor leve a moderado (25%), ardor intenso (7%), dermatite ulcerativa (8%) e efeitos sistêmicos (5%). CONCLUSÃO: O imiquimode foi efetivo no controle dos condilomas acuminados perianais recidivantes dos doentes HIV-positivo, independente da contagem sérica dos linfócitos T CD4+. (AU)