Aldara (Imiquimod) and Photodynamic Therapy

[Pigeons]

Has anyone heard of either of these treatments for skin cancers? From what I've read, they both sound like encouraging alternatives to surgery... but my dermatologist mentioned neither, and is rushing to get me into surgery.

Aldara is a wart meditcation that has shown 90% effectiveness in ELIMINATING basal-cell carcinomas. ("Imiquimod works by releasing cytokines from inflammatory cells, and that inflammatory response produces macrophages, which in turn attack malignant cells, Dr. Naylor said.") It is not FDA approved for use against skin cancers, so I suspect that's why we haven't heard about it yet. At least, that's one reason. Something tells me it's also a heck of a lot chaper than surgery.

As for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), I've only done a little reseach on it, but from what I've read, it is very effective and leaves no scarring. Again, I'm not sure why we haven't heard more about it.

[motherchuck]

I have used Aldera. I have had several basal cells surgically removed and my dr offered this as an alternative. I am actually getting ready to apply it to 3 spots on my shoulder.

I used it once on a basal cell on my chest and it looks pretty good now. I don't see any redness and we continue to watch it for regrowth of a basal cell. Haven't had the spot rebiopsied b/c it just looks like a little white scar.

I was hesitant to use it again on my shoulder but the thought of getting these three spots biopsied changed my mind. I am tired of being cut into all of the time. My dr says it will not work on skin that is not cancerous so if there is no reaction it is probably not cancer. I am going to try this route and monitor the spots in the future.

The one positive of surgery is you know the spot is completely removed. With Aldera there is a gray area and I am sure regrowth is something you have to watch for regrowth. But of course surgery is not 100%. I just had a spot on my eye brow grow back after 3 years (mohs). Anything is worth a shot!!

[Pigeons]

Thanks for replying, motherchunk.

So you are saying that Aldara does leave some kind of scarring or "white area." How did the area react during the process? I'm concerned about using this on my face—but just about anything seems preferrable to surgery.

Also, did you find a dermatologist there in Ohio to prescribe it to you? I'm worried that I won't find a cooperative dermatologist where I live, if I decide to go this route.

—Ivan

[motherchuck]

Yes, my dermatoligist recomended it to me! Very little scarring. Just a faint white scar which looks totally better then a scar from incision!!

[Pigeons]

Thanks, MC.

How did the cancer look while you were treating it? If you had a BCC on your face, would you use this?