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Reflectance confocal microscopy useful for evaluation of nonsurgical treatment

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy allowed for accurate evaluation of imiquimod treatment in cases of lentigo maligna where surgery was contraindicated, researchers found.

A prospective study included 20 patients with confirmed lentigo maligna who were not candidates for surgical treatment or radiation therapy.

The patients applied imiquimod 5% for 8 weeks. At 12 weeks and 1 year following the completion of treatment, the researchers used reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) to assess the treated area for signs of residual or recurrent melanoma. The researchers also performed target sample biopsies to confirm or disprove RCM findings.

Fifteen patients (75%) were considered to have histological tumor clearance after imiquimod treatment. Seventy percent of the responders were identified using RCM, with no false-negative results, according to the researchers.

Compared with histopathology, RCM showed no significant differences in the evaluation of patients’ response to imiquimod treatment.

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.