Confocal Microscopy and Lentigo Maligna: An in vivo Pilot Study for the Assessment of Response to Imiquimod Therapy.


Journal

Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)
ISSN: 1421-9832
Titre abrégé: Dermatology
Pays: Switzerland
ID NLM: 9203244

Informations de publication

Date de publication:
2019
Historique:
received: 24 09 2018
accepted: 01 11 2018
pubmed: 17 12 2018
medline: 14 6 2019
entrez: 17 12 2018
Statut: ppublish

Résumé

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive technique that provides real-time in vivo images of the epidermal layer. Imiquimod has been recommended as an alternative treatment in lentigo maligna (LM) when surgical excision is not the treatment of choice. In the present study we compare the results of in vivo RCM to the histopathological examination before and after treatment of LM with topical imiquimod. Thirty-four patients with confirmed LM were included. Imiquimod 5% was applied until a weeping erosion appeared in the LM-affected skin. Evaluation was performed by clinical examination, dermatoscopy, histopathology and RCM. During the follow-up, 27 of 34 patients (79.42%) demonstrated a total tumor clearance by imiquimod treatment. In the treated area, a significant decrease of atypical cells was detected using RCM (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation in the detected atypical cells was shown using confocal microscopy and histology (p = 0.0001, r = 0.7335, respectively). In patients not suitable for surgical intervention imiquimod treatment is an appropriate treatment alternative. Thereby, in vivo RCM was demonstrated to be an excellent examining device, which not only allows diagnosis of LM, but also therapy and follow-up examinations. An important benefit of RCM, in contrast to conventional histopathology, is the simple handling with in vivo examination of epidermal skin without any pain for the patient.

Sections du résumé

BACKGROUND BACKGROUND
Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive technique that provides real-time in vivo images of the epidermal layer. Imiquimod has been recommended as an alternative treatment in lentigo maligna (LM) when surgical excision is not the treatment of choice. In the present study we compare the results of in vivo RCM to the histopathological examination before and after treatment of LM with topical imiquimod.
METHODS METHODS
Thirty-four patients with confirmed LM were included. Imiquimod 5% was applied until a weeping erosion appeared in the LM-affected skin. Evaluation was performed by clinical examination, dermatoscopy, histopathology and RCM.
RESULTS RESULTS
During the follow-up, 27 of 34 patients (79.42%) demonstrated a total tumor clearance by imiquimod treatment. In the treated area, a significant decrease of atypical cells was detected using RCM (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation in the detected atypical cells was shown using confocal microscopy and histology (p = 0.0001, r = 0.7335, respectively).
CONCLUSION CONCLUSIONS
In patients not suitable for surgical intervention imiquimod treatment is an appropriate treatment alternative. Thereby, in vivo RCM was demonstrated to be an excellent examining device, which not only allows diagnosis of LM, but also therapy and follow-up examinations. An important benefit of RCM, in contrast to conventional histopathology, is the simple handling with in vivo examination of epidermal skin without any pain for the patient.

Identifiants

pubmed: 30554198
pii: 000495034
doi: 10.1159/000495034
doi:

Substances chimiques

Antineoplastic Agents 0
Imiquimod P1QW714R7M

Types de publication

Journal Article

Langues

eng

Sous-ensembles de citation

IM

Pagination

150-155

Informations de copyright

© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Auteurs

Flurin L Brand (FL)

Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

S Morteza Seyed Jafari (SM)

Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland, seyedjafarism@yahoo.com.

Robert E Hunger (RE)

Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

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Classifications MeSH