Imiquimod 5% Cream Versus Cryotherapy in Classic Kaposi Sarcoma

Background:Classic Kaposi sarcoma usually remains on the skin and has a slow progression; thus, local treatment methods are preferable. Imiquimod is an immunomodulatory agent with antiviral, antitumoural, and antiangiogenic properties that is expedient against Kaposi sarcoma.Objectives:We aimed to clarify whether imiquimod is effective on classic Kaposi sarcoma lesions by comparing imiquimod treatment with cryotherapy, which is the most-used treatment method in our department for this disease.Method:Patients with classic Kaposi sarcoma were included. All lesions of each patient were evaluated and measured by the blinded investigator considering infiltration and surface diameters. Then, lesions were categorized into 2 groups by the other investigator (nonblinded), and imiquimod 5% cream was administered 3 times per week without occlusion in 1 group. Cryotherapy was performed every 3 weeks in the other group. All lesions were reevaluated and measured at the end of 12 weeks by the blinded investigator. Initi...