Successful treatment of multiple vemurafenib-induced keratoacanthomas by topical application of imiquimod cream: Confirmation of clinical clearance by dermoscopy

J Dermatolog Treat. 2016 Oct;27(5):448-9. doi: 10.3109/09546634.2015.1133886. Epub 2016 Apr 19.

Abstract

Keratoacanthomas (KAs) are a well-known cutaneous side effect of BRAF inhibitors and multiple lesions continue to develop throughout the course of therapy. We present a case of an 81-year old women diagnosed with metastatic melanoma who underwent six weeks of vemurafenib therapy. She developed multiple vemurafenib-induced KAs and applied a 5% imiquimod cream three times a week. KAs successfully treated with topical application of imiquimod cream and clearance of these lesions was further confirmed by dermoscopic examination. Topical imiquimod can be an effective treatment option for the noninvasive management of multiple KAs induced by vemurafenib treatment.

Keywords: Vemurafenib; imiquimod cream; keratoacanthomas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / administration & dosage
  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aminoquinolines / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Drug Eruptions / drug therapy*
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imiquimod
  • Indoles / adverse effects*
  • Keratoacanthoma / chemically induced*
  • Melanoma / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Sulfonamides / adverse effects*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vemurafenib

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Aminoquinolines
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Indoles
  • Sulfonamides
  • Vemurafenib
  • Imiquimod