The study, published in Dermatologic Surgery, looked at two cases of the most common type of melanoma of the head and neck, lentigo maligna (LM), a type of "melanoma-in- situ", the earliest stage of melanoma. This early form, known as LM, precedes the more invasive form, lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM), and the progression of LM to LMM typically occurs after 10 to 15 years. Though surgical removal of LM is most often used to treat the non-invasive form of the cancer, it can have high local recurrence rates.
In two patients who had both LM and LMM, investigators used imiquimod in conjunction with surgery. In both patients, surgery was first done to remove the area of known invasive disease, followed by the topical cream to the outer area of LM. This approach was chosen with patients who did not want extensive surgery due to the large size of the melanoma on their scalp and face. These cases, along with other recent studies, suggest that imiquimod may help to reduce the area needing surgery, manage the LM and hopefully minimise its recurrence.
"As we're seeing melanoma in younger and younger people, in their 30s and 40s, there is a longer window for the cancer to return and a greater desire to avoid disfiguring surgery," said Scott Fosko, M.D., chairman of the department of dermatology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and lead study investigator.
Researchers hope that topical treatments like imiquimod may be used to lower the seriousness and the cost of treating the disease, as well as limit scars from surgery, and, most importantly, improve patient care.
"This subtype of melanoma is becoming more and more common, and can be one of the more challenging melanomas to manage," said Fosko, who is also director of the melanoma and cutaneous oncology section of the Saint Louis University Cancer Center.
"While more study is needed to understand how the drug works and which patients are likely to benefit from it, we are optimistic that the drug may prove to be a good option for some patients," said Fosko. "This may be an effective first line treatment."
Doctors stress that the best way to catch skin cancer early is through screenings. Patients seem to be hearing the message, as upcoming free cancer screenings hosted by the Saint Louis University department of dermatology and Saint Louis University Cancer Center filled up quickly.
While this year's May 2 screenings are full at both the Anheuser Busch Institute and DesPeres SLUCare locations, you may be placed on a waiting list or schedule a regular screening with a SLUCare dermatologist by calling 314-977-4440 or 1-866-977-4440.
Regular skin screenings are recommended for everyone, especially those over 40 years of age, and individuals at higher risk for skin cancer, those with a fair complexion, sunburn easily, have numerous moles, a personal or family history of skin cancer, and by occupation, recreation or use of tanning salons, get significant sun or ultraviolet rays exposure, regardless of age or race.
During a screening, a dermatologist will check moles, birth marks and other pigmentations for signs of cancer, which include abnormal size, colour, shape or texture.
