Prophylactic use of imiquimod against post-surgical relapse of condyloma acuminatum

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy, relapse reduction and drug safety with topical use of 5% imiquimod cream following CO2 laser treatment of condyloma acuminatum (CA). Methods One hundred and eighteen patients with CA were randomized into the laser treatment group (n=61) or the combined treatment group (n=57). The laser treatment group received single session of laser treatment, while the combined treatment group received additional, topical use of 5% imiquimod cream, 3 times per week for 8 weeks. All patients were followed up for 3 weeks. Results The overall rate of recurrence rate was 17.5% in the combined treatment group vs 49.2% in the laser treatment group (P0.01). Months 1, 2 and 3 at follow-up, the rates of recurrence 26.2%, 14.8% and 8.2% with pure laser treatment vs 12.3%, 3.5% and 1.8% with combined treatment, respectively (P0.05). Local adverse effects related to 5% imiquimod cream was found in 73.7 % of the patients, including erythema, edema, erosion, itching and burning or painful sensations. No systemic side effect was found. Conclusion Treatment with 5% imiquimod cream after laser therapy appears to be a safety and efficacy therapeutic approach in reducing the recurrence of CA.