Topical TLR7 agonist imiquimod can induce immune-mediated rejection of skin metastases in patients with breast cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Skin metastases of breast cancer remain a therapeutic challenge. Toll-like receptor 7 agonist imiquimod is an immune response modifier and can induce immune-mediated rejection of primary skin malignancies when topically applied. Here we tested the hypothesis that topical imiquimod stimulates local antitumor immunity and induces the regression of breast cancer skin metastases.

Experimental design

A prospective clinical trial was designed to evaluate the local tumor response rate of breast cancer skin metastases treated with topical imiquimod, applied 5 d/wk for 8 weeks. Safety and immunologic correlates were secondary objectives.

Results

Ten patients were enrolled and completed the study. Imiquimod treatment was well tolerated, with only grade 1 to 2 transient

SUBMITTER: Adams S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3580198 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature