The efficacy of imiquimod on dysplastic lesions of the oral mucosa: an experimental model.

AIM

To study the potent efficacy of the immunomodulatory agent imiquimod when applied on dysplastic lesions of the oral mucosa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Carcinogen (DMBA) was applied to the mucosa of the left buccal pouch of 26 male Wistar rats for 8 weeks, until dysplastic lesions were observed and histologically diagnosed. At the second phase of the experiment, 5% imiquimod cream was applied to these dysplastic lesions for 16 weeks. Biopsies were taken before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The histological effect of imiquimod was the regression of mild dysplasia to hyperplasia for all the samples. In one case, a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was converted to a papilloma-like squamous neoplasm with a benign morphology.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that imiquimod may be effective in treatment of precancerous lesions of the oral mucosa and thus inhibit the progress of carcinogenesis.