Dermatológia pre prax 4/2009

Effect of topical immune response modifier (imiquimod) in the treatment of actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a dysplastic UV light-induced lesion, which develops mostly in fair-skinned patients. Currently considered by many authors as a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ, and has the potential to progress to invasive SCC. The incidence of actinic keratosis in caucasians increases with age, proximity to the equator and outdoor occupation. In the treatment, nummerous ablative and non ablative therapeutic approaches exist. Imiquimod –agonist of toll-like receptors is an effective, safe and acceptable for patient, is considered to be a significant non ablative external therapeutic approach for AK in the recent years.

Keywords: actinic keratosis, treatment, local immune-response modiffier, imiquimod