EFFICACY OF THE COMBINATION OF LASER CO2 AND IMIQUIMOD 5% CREAM IN THE TREATMENT OF GENITAL WARTS

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of the combination of laser CO₂ and imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of genital warts.

Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trials, was conducted on 70 patients with external genital warts. Patient were randomly divided into two groups, one group combined imiquimod 5% cream three times/week over 12 weeks beginning when the wound healing process was completed after laser CO2 treatment, other group treated laser CO2 alone.  Clinical assessments were evaluated before treatment and after every 4 week during 12-week treatment.

Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, there was a good improvement in the clearance rates on combination side (91,2%) compared to control side (88,9%), but not significant. During the three-month follow-up period, 11,8% patients of the Laser-imiquimod 5% group developed warts recurrences, less than that of control group(33,3), P<0.05. The application of imiquimod 5% cream was well tolerated. The number of patients with adverse events related to study medication declined from the first month of treatment until the end of the third month. Most frequently, mild to moderate itching, burning, pain and erythema were reported.

Conclusion: After laser therapy and sufficient wound healing, administration of imiquimod 5% cream three times/week has equally efficacy with laser alone in the treatment of genital warts, it appears to be safe and to reduce the incidence of wart recurrences