Exaggerated imiquimod application site reactions in the context of systemic tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibition: more than a coincidental occurrence?

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2011 Apr-Jun;24(2):509-15. doi: 10.1177/039463201102400225.

Abstract

Topical imiquimod and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors have gained wide acceptance as safe and effective treatments for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and moderate to severe psoriasis, respectively. While mild to moderate application site reactions (ASRs) are a well-known and common phenomenon associated with imiquimod, the potential of TNF-alpha blockers to elicit cutaneous inflammatory reactions has only recently been recognized. We present two cases of severe, atypical ASRs which occurred during NMSC treatment with imiquimod in the context of infliximab administration for psoriasis, and consider the grounds supporting a non-fortuitous association. To date, no relation has ever been suggested between TNF-alpha inhibitors and increased susceptibility to developing exaggerated ASRs with imiquimod. We believe that this subject deserves further analysis; meanwhile, increased attention should be drawn to the possibility of this adverse interaction, as simultaneous treatment with TNF-alpha blockers and imiquimod is becoming increasingly frequent in daily practice.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Aged
  • Aminoquinolines / administration & dosage
  • Aminoquinolines / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / immunology
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Drug Eruptions / drug therapy
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Drug Eruptions / pathology
  • Drug Interactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imiquimod
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy
  • Psoriasis / immunology
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / immunology
  • Skin Ulcer / chemically induced*
  • Skin Ulcer / drug therapy
  • Skin Ulcer / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism
  • Zinc Oxide / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Aminoquinolines
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab
  • Imiquimod
  • Zinc Oxide