Safety and efficacy of locally applied imiquimod cream 5% for the treatment of condylomata acuminata of the vulva

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of local application of imiquimod cream 5% for managing condylomata acuminata of the vulva in women referred to a tertiary University Hospital centre. Method: From a total of 283 patients referred over a 3-year period, 73(26%) were treated with imiquimod. Results: Approximately 6% failed to continue therapy due to lack of therapeutic effect whereas 71% experienced total clearance of the lesions and 85% reduction of more than 50% in the size of the condylomata. Forty-three percent of the patients observed complete response in the first 6 weeks of therapy. There were no serious adverse events encountered with mild erythema being the commonest. From the patients who were followed-up for the next 12 weeks from the completion of treatment, 13% presented recurrent warts and were managed by a different mode of therapy. Conclusion: Imiquimod cream 5% seems to be an effective and safe method for treating condylomata acuminata of the vulva resulting possibly in lower recurrence rates than other current therapies. © Springer-Verlag 2003.