Cancer Skin Cancer Treatment Aldara for the Treatment of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers By Timothy DiChiara, PhD Timothy J. DiChiara, PhD, is a former research scientist and published writer specializing in oncology. Learn about our editorial process Timothy DiChiara, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD on May 04, 2020 Casey Gallagher, MD, is board-certified in dermatology and works as a practicing dermatologist and clinical professor. Learn about our Medical Review Board Casey Gallagher, MD Updated on May 05, 2020 Print Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer worldwide and is among the most curable if treated early. Common treatments include electrodesiccation and curettage (cauterizing and scraping the lesion), surgical excisiong, and Mohs surgery (a precision surgical technique). Photo: Yuri_Arcurs / Getty Images Another form of treatment, known as Aldara (imiquimod) topical cream, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004 to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). It works by gently peeling away the lesion and can also be used to treat actinic keratosis (solar keratosis) and genital warts. Indications for Use Aldara cream is the only topical formulation used to treat SBCC in adults with normal immune systems. It is recommended when other methods of removal are inappropriate (such as where there are multiple lesions on the face). Aldara activates the immune system to produce a type of protein, known as interferon-alpha, to directly attack cancer cells. Pre-market research showed that Aldara was able to clear sBCC in 75% of treated individuals; in contrast, placebo cleared only 2% of treated sBCC. Of those successfully treated with Aldara, nearly 80% remained cancer-free after two years. While research is still ongoing, studies suggest that Aldara may be effective in treating early-stage melanoma (also known as melanoma in situ) if other surgical options are not available. Treatment Considerations Aldara is not appropriate for all individuals. Advise your doctor if you are taking other forms of treatment for SBCC, actinic keratosis, genital warts, or any other skin conditions. If so, you may be advised to wait until the current treatment is completed and your skin has healed before starting Aldara. Aldara may also worsen certain inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. It is not known if Aldara can harm a fetus during pregnancy or be transmitted to a baby through breast milk. Speak with your doctor about both the benefits and potential consequences of Aldara if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Application Aldara is applied to the skin only and should never be used in or near your eyes, lips, nostrils, or open wounds. Aldara is usually applied only once daily for five days a week. It should be left on the skin for eight hours or overnight. Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other closed dressings. After eight hours, wash the affected skin with mild soap and water. Treatment should continue for a full six weeks. Continue to use Aldara even if the basal cell lesion is gone unless told otherwise by your dermatologist. Drug Side Effects The most common side effect of Aldara is a localized skin reaction, which occurs in roughly a third of all cases. Dermatological symptoms may include: RednessSwellingSore, blister, or ulcerThickening or hardening of the skinChanges in skin colorSkin peelingScabbing and crustingItching and/or burning The area being treated is likely to look worse before it gets better. Avoid sunlight (or sunlamps) as this may worsen the symptoms. When outdoors, use protective clothing or a hat to cover the affected area. In some cases, any changes to the skin color or texture may be permanent. Other potential side effects include headaches, back pain, muscle aches, tiredness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, and fungal infections. Contact your doctor immediately if you have a severe skin reaction, if you develop flu-like symptoms, or if sores begin to develop during the first week of therapy. In rare cases, patients may have no reaction to Aldara; this may suggest the medication is not effective in them. Patients should contact their doctor if they have no reaction to Aldara after applying it for one week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Basal cell carcinoma: overview. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Basal cell carcinoma: diagnosis and treatment. Del rosso JQ. The use of topical imiquimod for the treatment of actinic keratosis: a status report. Cutis. 2005;76(4):241-8. US Food and Drug Administration. Aldara. Updated July 14, 2004. Additional Reading National Cancer Institute: National Institutes of Health. "Imiquimod."