Imiquimod (Aldara) topical cream is now approved for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). The FDA approved imiquimod for treatment of sBCC on the body, neck, arms, or legs, but not on the face. Imiquimod, a product of 3M, was previously approved only for the treatment of actinic keratosis and external genital warts.
According to the FDA, imiquimod should be used only if surgery is not medically appropriate, because the chances of effectively treating sBCC are generally greater with surgery. Patients treated with imiquimod for sBCC should have regular follow-up visits after treatment to be sure the cancer has been treated completely. Most patients using imiquimod for sBCC experienced treatment-site reactions, including facial redness, swelling, a sore or blister, peeling, itching, and burning.