Imiquimod Cream for Treating Anogenital Warts in Women
Author Information
Author(s): David A. Baker, Daron G. Ferris, Mark G. Martens, Kenneth H. Fife, Stephen K. Tyring, Libby Edwards, Anita Nelson, Kevin Ault, Kenneth F. Trofatter, Tiepu Liu, Sharon Levy, Jason Wu
Primary Institution: Stony Brook Health Science Center, Stony Brook University Medical Center
Hypothesis
New imiquimod formulations using a shorter treatment duration are safe and efficacious to treat anogenital warts.
Conclusion
Imiquimod 3.75% applied daily for up to 8 weeks was well tolerated and superior to placebo in treating women with external anogenital warts.
Supporting Evidence
- Complete clearance of all warts was achieved in 36.6% of women using imiquimod 3.75%.
- Mean changes in wart counts were significantly reduced in both imiquimod groups compared to placebo.
- Safety-related discontinuation rates were low across all treatment groups.
Takeaway
This study tested a cream to help get rid of warts in private areas, and it worked better than a fake cream.
Methodology
Women aged 12 and older with anogenital warts were randomized to receive either placebo, imiquimod 2.5%, or 3.75% cream applied daily for up to 8 weeks.
Potential Biases
Participants were not randomized based on anatomic site involvement, which may have influenced results.
Limitations
The study did not require histologic confirmation of EGWs, which may have diluted observed efficacy.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 33.4 years; 67.4% were white; 69.3% reported their current episode of EGW was their first.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < 0.001 for imiquimod 3.75% versus placebo
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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