| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
dan
611 Posts |
 Posted - 03/27/2007 : 23:20:43
|
| Has anyone here tried Aldara? Do dermatologists now suggest Aldara as a skin cancer treatment option? I regard this topical prescription skin cancer cream as a promising development because it actually works with the immune system, a sort of breakthrough for the cancer industry. A good forum for patient experiences with Adara is at http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20723&name=ALDARA |
|
|
rocco
77 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2007 : 09:23:24
|
I am curious as well as to actual cases using imiquimod 5%. I ran into these abstracts yesterday, and they sound promising for treatment with the cream. Here are some portions of the abstracts:
This one is from May 2007, so it is very current.
"We present our experience of the treatment of 96 patients with BCCs during the period March 2002 to February 2004 at the Dermatology Department, Hospital Clinico S. Cecilio, Granada, Spain. One hundred and forty-one tumors (nodular, superficial, and pearly/ulcerated clinical types) were treated with imiquimod. Results The clinical cure rate at 12 months was 80-85%. Conclusion Our experience indicates that imiquimod is a reasonable option for the treatment of BCC. It is low cost, can be delivered via ambulatory care, and has tolerable side-effects."
and some others,
"Several prospective, randomised, double-blind, vehicle-controlled studies have established the efficacy of imiquimod for superficial BCC.This review summarises the evidence regarding the mechanism, efficacy and safety of pharmacological agents based on the literature from the past 10 years. Experimental treatments that have been successfully utilised in the treatment of BCC are also discussed. Treatment of BCC with other agents, such as tazarotene, glycoalkaloid (BEC-5) cream, cidofovir and calcium dobesilate have been reported, but further studies are needed to ascertain the efficacy and adverse-effect profiles of these treatments."
" A 65-year-old male had an asymptomatic, hyperpigmented, slowly progressive, indurated, 3 x 4 cm plaque on the left cheek for two months. Biopsy from the lesion showed features of basal cell carcinoma. The patient was treated with imiquimod 5% cream, topically three times a week for six months with complete resolution of the lesion and without any side-effects. "
"This phase III, open-label study evaluates the long-term (5 years) clinical efficacy and safety of dosing once daily, for which this manuscript reports the 2-year time point in the follow-up period. For the 169 enrolled subjects, the tumour selected for treatment was assessed clinically to determine initial clearance at the 12-week post-treatment visit. If clinically clear of superficial basal cell carcinoma, subjects entered a 5-year, long-term follow-up period. Subjects were evaluated for recurrence at the 3-, 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-up visits. The initial clearance rate at 12 weeks post treatment was 94.1%. The proportion of subjects who were clinically clear at the 2-year follow-up visit was estimated to be 82.0%. Imiquimod was tolerated when applied daily, with erythema reported for all subjects participating in the study."
There are a lot more. Go to the pubmed website
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed
and search for "imiquimod 5% skin cancer" or something like that. It sounds like something that I may have to ask the doctor more about. I did read a lot of those side effects from the site you linked...sounds bad in some cases, but I wonder what the percentage of incidence of side effects really is?
|
 |
|
|
Kathi
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/18/2007 : 19:05:35
|
| I'd like to share my experience with Aldera. I had a basal cell removed on the top of my scalp with the CO2 laser and then followed it up with Aldera every other day for two weeks. I had absolutely no adverse reaction. The site turned red and itched slightly but that was it. I never felt bad or had any symptoms that would make me not want to use this treatment again. Hope this helps you, I think this forum is great! |
|
|
|
CJC
1 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2007 : 12:04:35
|
| I used aldara on a basal cell carcinoma a couple years ago before it was approved. It worked like magic. I put it on every other day for 6-weeks,,, it got really bad, as the cancer was being destroyed,, but at the end of the 6-weeks it was just gone... the skin was slightly lighter than before, but now I can't even tell where it was.. good stuff and cheaper than surgery. |
|
|
|
Winky
2 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2007 : 22:47:38
|
I recently completed treatment of squamous cell cancer of the scalp with Aldara 5% cream. Before beginning treatment, I searched the web for information about the drug and read many horror stories that unnecessarily increased my anxiety.
Treatment consisted of daily application of the cream to the lesion and surrounding area for five consecutive days followed by two days off for six consecutive weeks.
The treatment wasn't at all painful although during week three the blood vessel on the left side of my forehead became very prominent, almost alarmingly so. During weeks three and four, I experienced some leakage of serum from the scab that formed and throughout the treatment period slept with a towel on my pillow. It was obvious during the sixth week of treatment that the immune response was subsiding presumably because the cancer had been eradicated.
Ten days after completing the treatment I returned to my dermatologist. He was absolutely ecstatic at how well I had done. He was so proud of me evidently because there is poor compliance to the treatment. As I mentioned before, the treatment wasn't painful, but it was very unsightly. I had a very large, itchy scab at this time that he painlessly removed during the visit. Removal of the scab revealed new skin devoid of lesions. Follow-up treatment consists of the application of Biafine emulsion to the area two times a day until used up. Of course, as it was cancer, I will have to make regular appointments to be checked for future lesions.
I think Aldara is a wonderful cancer treatment. The area attacked by my immune system was far larger than the visible lesion, which indicated to me there was a large pre cancerous area of my scalp not revealed by the biopsies. In fact, one biopsy result of a lesion was harmless “flat age spot”, yet my immune system went after it with a vengeance. In other words, Aldara and your immune system have greater powers of discrimination than a surgeon and pathologist. In addition, surgery, even by a skilled plastic surgeon, would have left scars. I just have new pink skin that doesn't exactly match the old existing skin.
|
|
|
|
dan
611 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2007 : 17:40:47
|
Winky, CJC, and Kathi,
Thanks for telling us about your experiences with Aldara. It looks like Aldara belongs on the "A" list. Remember that Aldara is available by prescription in the US and you may have to be proactive in suggesting it as an option to your doctor. Any more experiences are always welcome. |
|
|
|
Carlson
18 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2007 : 22:01:47
|
I also talked to several people in the MOHS SURGERY waiting room and they told me that they had also used Aldera with great success, especially on cancers that were not too deep..
Carlson |
|
|
|
rocco
77 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2007 : 11:06:06
|
Overheard in a restaurant recently...
There were two couples sitting two tables away from us in a restaurant the other night. I noticed one of the gentlemen as he came in...ruddy to fair complexion, seemed to have some scarring. It's sadly funny that I notice these things these days.
Anyway, the guy had a somewhat loud voice for restaurant talk and I couldn't help but overhear that he started talking about a cancer he had had on his lip.
He showed the other couple where it had been. He described the trip to a doctor, the biopsy, the getting of the results, the trip to a plastic surgeon. He said, "I knew I was in the wrong doctor's office when I walked in and it was 15' ceilings, mahogany walls,..." The surgeon told him he would need to remove about half of his lower lip.
In the meantime, a friend told him to go to M.D. Anderson, not accept these other doctors "cure". While he awaited the visit to M.D. Anderson he started applying, of all things, Medicated Chapstick to his lip. He claims that that alone cured the cancer on his lip. He held his lip out with his thumb and forefinger for all at the table to witness....(I know that has nothing to do with Aldara, but I found it very interesting, and the Aldara part is coming)
He made his trip to M.D. Anderson....and I couldn't hear all that was said regarding that trip. But, he also apparently had, or developed other cancerous spots as well. He got a prescription for Aldara from those guys and he said..."It saved my life" at one point. He even spelled A..L..D..A..R..A aloud for the benefit of one of his company. Obviously here was another person willing to recommend Aldara as a topical treatment...and dismiss cutting as the first option. |
|
|
|
fforest
103 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2007 : 15:48:44
|
Anivoc said...
I've ordered Aldara and Retin A .05% from Medsmex before. Takes quite a while to get to you but definitely works.
Anivoc what was your experience with Aldara ?.... |
|
|
|
Robertsdaughter
1 Posts |
Posted - 09/29/2007 : 15:09:03
|
| My dad was prescribed Aldara for basal cell carcinoma on his lower lip two months ago. Now only has it not improved, it has been a nightmare of bleeding, pain and is now starting to impact the surrounding tissues. From what I have researched Aldara is not FDA approved for the face and can have serious ill effects. My advise to proceed with caution and do your own due diligence on this drug. |
|
|
|
anivoc
668 Posts |
Posted - 09/29/2007 : 18:12:40
|
quote:
Originally posted by fforest
Anivoc what was your experience with Aldara ?....
Well it is expensive and the box is getting dusty in my medicine cabinet.
I bought it to have a loaded gun just in case I couldn't find a easier way than bloodroot. I would rate aldara on a aggressive level of 8 if bloodroot is a 10 and efudex is a 6.
See my latest post in the Eggplant thread. |
|
|
|
homestrong
24 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2009 : 13:40:08
|
I was was diagnosed with a nBCC on the left nostril of my nose.
Nodal is the nasty BCC.
Mohs was recommended, of course, but the nose being arguably the
worst place to have a scar, I explored nearly every major
topical treatment on this site (Cymilium, Eggplant, Pancreatin, etc),
but have only seen ANY results from using Aldara.
Here's a set of photos on my nose, the first one being before
doing any ALDARA treatment, and the 2nd taken 4 months later,
after 2 separate 4/6 weeks, twice-a-day ALDARA treatments.
Clearly I've made some progress.
http://www.homestrong.com
Also I had done the 6 week,2x/day treatment on two separate sBCC,
and in fact, those sBCC are completely gone. sBCC is easier to
deal with, and ALDARA is especially effective on them.
I'm sold on Aldara. I plan to use it the rest of my life,
if possible. |
|
|
|
Shafah
9 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2009 : 21:58:50
|
Thanks for sharing your experience homestrong! I'm very happy to see that Aldara worked with you.
Was it painful using Aldara? Reading from other's experiences in here, seems that Aldara can be quite painful.
Would appreciate your feedback on this.
Thanks. |
|
|
|
homestrong
24 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2009 : 23:37:52
|
Aldara defn inflames the target cancer, and the surrounding skin.
It bleeds, it oozes clear puss, it itches, but I would not say
it is painful.
Given that, its well worth the side effects |
|
|
|
thanks01
170 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2009 : 11:08:45
|
When I used Aldara, I went online and read a lot about it.
My understanding is that it contains two active ingredients. One stimulates your immune system in the cells at that spot - that's the part that inflames. The other is a cancer-killing ingredient. The idea seems to be that by stirring up the cell system in this area the potency of the cancer-killer is enhanced.
Each person reacts differently to the immune-system stimulant. Perhaps that is why the reports about Aldara often seem to vary so much. Just thinking ... |
|
|
|
Coda
3 Posts |
Posted - 06/30/2010 : 22:51:48
|
I'm on my 2nd course of Aldara treatment the first being close to two years ago. I had mild flu like symptoms the first time (none this time) and there is no pain and only extremely mild stinging.
It does take a while for the skin to react/heal probably somewhere between 6-9 months to look relatively normal? again.
I have had some terrible sunburns over the years boating/diving etc...and my mother had malignant melanoma cut from her face hence I am on the 'case' re prevention.
I am about 7 weeks into treatment and have 2 1/2 satchels left to go before off to the 'Doc' for evaluation.I find by using a pin to make a small hole in the top I can get 2 treatments per satchel (covering the hole with sticky tape).
It has been my experience to try and treat each affected area until it stops reacting and the redness starts to disappear (whether it be 6 weeks or longer)continued applications to these areas will yield no further reaction (for now?).
I would recommend Aldara as a treatment for sun damage even though at the moment I look like I just did 15 rounds with Mike Tyson and led with my chin each round!
I use an SPF skin coloured foundation if I need to work outdoors which also helps cover up the unsightly treatment.
It works but does take time.
Cheers. |
|
|
|
trudie
61 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2010 : 09:48:58
|
Hi Coda,
Thanks for your input on aldara. Are you using it for a nodular bcc? That is what I have and I have a RX for it, but haven't filled it yet because of reading about bad side effects or that it does not work on what I have. Could you comment on what you are using it for and what you have used it for? |
|
|
|
Coda
3 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2010 : 01:39:13
|
Hi Trudie,
I've been using it for solar keratosis and have had good results getting reactions with Aldara. I started treatment in May and now (5/8/11) have just slightly reddish marks where the reactions took place...cheeks and forehead. I had to double up on some scaly areas to get a reaction (3 nights in a row)but did I get a reaction!.
Area's that had no visible damage came up as red blotches which started weeping. If you continue application eventually the reaction stops and the skin starts to heal. If you put Aldara on skin with no keratosis nothing happens.
In your case what have you got to lose but your bcc? Anything else that may or may not react should be delt with anyway. Will it react ? only one way to find out.
My mother had melanoma cut out of her cheek and I can still see her coming out of surgery...believe me I'd rather deal with potential skin cancer using Aldara than a scalpel( which has left nasty scars on my left cheek).
I wish I had tried to treat these areas with Aldara first!
Don't forget re medical professionals...if the only tool you have is a hammer then everything you look at looks like a nail.
I'd be giving it a go. (I've had a couple of bcc's cut out of my face / back & chest)
If it doesn't work cut 'em out.
Good luck!
|
|
|
|
Coda
3 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2010 : 01:45:20
|
quote:
Originally posted by Coda
Hi Trudie,
I've been using it for solar keratosis and have had good results getting reactions with Aldara. I started treatment in May and now (5/8/11) have just slightly reddish marks where the reactions took place...cheeks and forehead. I had to double up on some scaly areas to get a reaction (3 nights in a row)but did I get a reaction!.
Area's that had no visible damage came up as red blotches which started weeping. If you continue application eventually the reaction stops and the skin starts to heal. If you put Aldara on skin with no keratosis nothing happens.
In your case what have you got to lose but your bcc? Anything else that may or may not react should be delt with anyway. Will it react ? only one way to find out.
My mother had melanoma cut out of her cheek and I can still see her coming out of surgery...believe me I'd rather deal with potential skin cancer using Aldara than a scalpel( which has left nasty scars on my left cheek).
I wish I had tried to treat these areas with Aldara first!
Don't forget re medical professionals...if the only tool you have is a hammer then everything you look at looks like a nail.
I'd be giving it a go. (I've had a couple of bcc's cut out of my face / back & chest)
If it doesn't work cut 'em out.
Good luck!
Sorry that should read 5/8/10 ...I even feel younger! |
|
|
|
trudie
61 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2010 : 11:14:07
|
| Hi everyone, I've just started (2 days ago) using aldara for a nodular BCC on my chin. I tried agrimony for 5 weeks applied directly to spot with no results. I read all the postings here on on the askapatient.com site that Dan gave, and those are a bit scary as to the side effects, but I will persevere and let you know how it goes. I am supposed to use in 5 days on and two off for 12 weeks. Any support will be most appreciated. |
|
|
|
thanks01
170 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2010 : 12:36:42
|
Trudie,
It will be interesting to follow through with your success, if you will keep us posted. Already I was interested in what you said about Agrimony. I have ordered some, with the purpose of applying poultices to areas which Orange Oil indicate to have yeast or fungus infections, quite numerous and some very near my eye. Agrimony is supposed to be gentle with the eyes, if I understand correctly.
I have a single spot which is probably BCC also near my eye. Last year it was larger. That is the spot on which I used the Aldara from the dermatolgist. Aldara seemed to remove most, BUT NOT ALL, of that, so I still have a spot there. The dermatologist did not biopsy this for BCC, just told me use the Aldara. However, the way both he and the spot behaved and the fact that it's very near to where I had Mohs surgery to remove a diagnosed BCC indicates that it's the actual cancer.
In using the Agrimony I was not so much hoping to get rid of the BCC, but to tackle the yeast condition which (IN MY CASE) seems to be a precursor to cancer problems.
Probably when I go back in Sept or Oct, if the Orange Oil does not cure the supposed BCC spot, the dermatologist will give me something like Aldara once again.
In the meantime, any news from you will be interesting and I will be posting on the various involved Forum threads as results come in.
Count me among those who wish you the best of success! |
Edited by - thanks01 on 08/26/2010 12:37:36 |
|
|
|
trudie
61 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2010 : 10:12:52
|
Thanks Thanks01,
It is great to have a response. There are no support groups in my area (N.C.) but I'd be interested in starting one if I knew what the heck is going on with our skin. How did you discover you had fungal infections? This has never been mentioned to me by the derm. |
|
|
|
thanks01
170 Posts |
Posted - 08/30/2010 : 17:38:17
|
I don't think the dermatologists want to talk about the problems associated with Candida. I think they would treat these as "non-existent."
I arrived at my conclusions from being a Candida Yeast sufferer in a more general sense for a long number of years, before I even had skin cancer. I guess that for long periods of my life I overindulged in sugar consumption (I can remember eating about half a batch of chocolate chip cookies at a time, and many other binge-like incidents. P.S. I am not greatly overweight, just a good sugar-eater). If you read the books about Candida, like The Yeast Connection, you find that there is a typical pattern to the yeast problem. First the yeast population ingested from ordinary foods uses an unhealthy, sugar-sick inner environment to overgrow the coating of the small intestine, overpowering the "good" intestinal bacteria, such as those from yogurt, with the Candida. Then the tissue of the intestine membrane becomes "porous," with the natural spaces opening larger, allowing the Candida to get into your bloodstream. From there the yeast finds places to colonize and be happy. As far as I know some common symptoms of resident yeast (besides feeling low and horrible) are repeated vaginitis, cystitis, fungal skin and nail problems and, for some people, "Thrush" in the mouth cavity.
Anyway, after determining that all the above applied to me (I say, NOT to EVERYONE, but to me and a large group of people who may not be aware of it), I spent years doing the anti-yeast protocols -- especially for me, avoiding sugar and alcohol, as well as taking some anti-yeast herbal supplements. Since I have a tendency to "fall off the wagon" and revert to my old eating habits, I have been able to perceive the yeast as a resident and persistent problem over the years.
When I first was diagnosed with BCC cancer on my face, I thought it was just a single trip to surgery and all was completed. But in my concern I started searching the Web and found this most useful and helpful website and forum. From participating here I have learned that with skin cancer, unless you have gone through YEARS of treating the BASIC HEALTH SITUATION (whatever it is), you can't call the cancer conquered, and have to be looking for the recurrence of the "next" one.
In the process of studying my skin's behavior -- where the vulnerable places are -- I began to see the link (for ME, at least) of the Candida residency and the BCC development.
There is also quite a lot of material on Candida and cancer both here and other places in the Web. I am NOT yet of the school of thought like Dr. Simoncini (you can search for him along with Candida), who thinks that ALL CANCER is caused by Candida infestations.
However, I am currently using various Forum suggestions to work on the following: One spot suspicious for BCC, several AK around my lips, and numerous yeast residencies on face and elsewhere.
Please DO NOT take what I say as a DIAGNOSIS for you, but simply an answer to what you asked about the trail of making the connections. If this interests you, you probably need to do your own reading and research, with the help of this Forum.
Once again, as you get ready to take some action, I wish you the best of success!! |
|
|
|
pcolabucfan
1 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2013 : 14:44:32
|
| I am looking for anyone that has used Aldara for warts on hands, I was prescribed Imiquimod 5% today and the pharmacist told me it was a real potent !! and to be careful I would love to hear anyones assessment on using this cream for warts Thanks Jimmy |
|
|
|
RGoose18
2 Posts |
Posted - 08/30/2013 : 23:36:57
|
I know many of you are against said topical, but it seems that besides black salve it is the most effective regime for removing small basal cells
My derm is only open to MOH's surgery. I know many of you have used aldara.....Can anyone give me a name of a doc in the Maine, Mass, CT, NH, NY area who would be open to discussing/prescribing this treatment protocol.
Many Thanks for those of you who can be of assistance.
|
|
|
|
janetr66
3 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2013 : 16:57:28
|
| I've been using aldara for nodular bcc on my shoulder. I'm coming to the end of the 6 week course of 1x day 5 days on, 2 days off. When starting the cream I had immediate reaction of redness, swelling, scabbing etc. It was uncomfortable but not painful. At this point, I'd like to hear from anyone who treated nBCC with aldara without having surgery and what happened after discontinuing the drug. The site is still red with a big scab but the swelling is gone and it's looking calmer. I saw some studies for nbcc that went 12 weeks with only marginal improvement over the 6 week course. I called Valeant (the co. now selling aldara) who said to stop using it after 6 weeks. |
|
|
|
one34east
1 Posts |
Posted - 01/16/2014 : 20:45:03
|
with regard to Aldara... I had horrific side effects some of which I am still dealing with more than 2 years later. I used it for one month... at which time I discontinued use. I am certain that I would not still be walking among us had I not stopped.
since then... I have found some information online suggesting that the more advanced the BCC the more adverse reaction. Which in my case is quite likely.
I'm thrilled that many of you posting found success with it... most reviews I read are anything but positive. good luck.
|
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Aldara
