› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Imiquimod (brand name Aldara)?
- This topic has 27 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 12 years, 5 months ago by
cwu.
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- November 10, 2011 at 7:57 pm
Has anyone used imiquimod (Aldara) for melanoma? Can you let me know where it was used, how it was used, side effects, why it was prescribed, effectiveness,etc? I am looking into this for my father for his in transit mets on his leg. I think there is a trial at UVA for this.
Thank you, Chau.
Has anyone used imiquimod (Aldara) for melanoma? Can you let me know where it was used, how it was used, side effects, why it was prescribed, effectiveness,etc? I am looking into this for my father for his in transit mets on his leg. I think there is a trial at UVA for this.
Thank you, Chau.
- Replies
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- November 10, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Chau,
Look up KarenNY. I think that's the topical drug along with IL2 that Karen has been doing under her Dr. I will e-mail her to notice your post.
Linda
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- November 11, 2011 at 12:25 am
Thanks Linda.
Hi Chau,
Yes, I use Imiquimod on my melanoma, which is on my face. I use it every night. I was first given the creme before I started Ipi (my docs don't think I'm a responder, but since it was spreading very close to my eye and near and even in my ear, they declared me a non-responder, and I'm now on my next treatment, IL-2, which I seem to be responding to. I had one round of IL-2 in September, and I'm going back to Yale-New Haven on Monday for round 2. Each round for me is 5 days in hosp., one week home to recuperate, repeat week in hosp.
I use the imiquimod on the entire area. At first it didn't do too much, but ever since I began my IL-2, the entire area has crusted over, and some of it has flaked off, taking the melanoma with it. In some places it leaves behind pigment (looks like a freckle but totally smoothe, not bumpy or raised as melanoma is. In other areas, it has come off and taken the pigment with it, leaving flesh-colored skin, which is fantastic. My doctors believe that the IL-2 and Imiq. work synergistically with each other, and I absolutely agree.
The only side-effects I have from the Imiquimod are localized–very red, sensitive skin. I understand that the skin can blister, but that hasn't happened to me (yet, LOL) I've read on the Aldera web-site where peope get very bad side effects, but it seems that those reports are from people who have used it on their genitals or lips. My most sensitive area is right adjacent to my eye; I'm very careful not to get any of the creme in my eye.
I do feel tired, but with all the treatments I've had, it could be from anything.
That's about it, please let me know if you have any other questions.
Take care,
Karen
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- November 11, 2011 at 12:25 am
Thanks Linda.
Hi Chau,
Yes, I use Imiquimod on my melanoma, which is on my face. I use it every night. I was first given the creme before I started Ipi (my docs don't think I'm a responder, but since it was spreading very close to my eye and near and even in my ear, they declared me a non-responder, and I'm now on my next treatment, IL-2, which I seem to be responding to. I had one round of IL-2 in September, and I'm going back to Yale-New Haven on Monday for round 2. Each round for me is 5 days in hosp., one week home to recuperate, repeat week in hosp.
I use the imiquimod on the entire area. At first it didn't do too much, but ever since I began my IL-2, the entire area has crusted over, and some of it has flaked off, taking the melanoma with it. In some places it leaves behind pigment (looks like a freckle but totally smoothe, not bumpy or raised as melanoma is. In other areas, it has come off and taken the pigment with it, leaving flesh-colored skin, which is fantastic. My doctors believe that the IL-2 and Imiq. work synergistically with each other, and I absolutely agree.
The only side-effects I have from the Imiquimod are localized–very red, sensitive skin. I understand that the skin can blister, but that hasn't happened to me (yet, LOL) I've read on the Aldera web-site where peope get very bad side effects, but it seems that those reports are from people who have used it on their genitals or lips. My most sensitive area is right adjacent to my eye; I'm very careful not to get any of the creme in my eye.
I do feel tired, but with all the treatments I've had, it could be from anything.
That's about it, please let me know if you have any other questions.
Take care,
Karen
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- November 11, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Hi Karen,
Thank you for responding. I am very happy that the combination of Aldara and IL-2 is working for you. When your doctor prescribed Aldara, did they indicate that it was used for melanoma before and shown to be effective? Also, you mentioned that you didnt see anything happening with Aldara until you started IL-2, how long were you on Aldara before you started IL-2? I dont remember how I came across Aldara but I cant seem to find anything that talks about Aldara's effectiveness with melanoma other than the clinical trial offerred at UVA now which I am considering. My father is currently on IPI and his doctor is not optimistic that he is a responder as his lesions are progressing. His doctor hasnt mentioned IL-2 but I dont think dad is going to be able to tolerate it.
Thank you Karen for your help and I hope you have continued response with this combo.
Chau
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- November 11, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Hi Karen,
Thank you for responding. I am very happy that the combination of Aldara and IL-2 is working for you. When your doctor prescribed Aldara, did they indicate that it was used for melanoma before and shown to be effective? Also, you mentioned that you didnt see anything happening with Aldara until you started IL-2, how long were you on Aldara before you started IL-2? I dont remember how I came across Aldara but I cant seem to find anything that talks about Aldara's effectiveness with melanoma other than the clinical trial offerred at UVA now which I am considering. My father is currently on IPI and his doctor is not optimistic that he is a responder as his lesions are progressing. His doctor hasnt mentioned IL-2 but I dont think dad is going to be able to tolerate it.
Thank you Karen for your help and I hope you have continued response with this combo.
Chau
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- November 11, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Hi Karen,
Thank you for responding. I am very happy that the combination of Aldara and IL-2 is working for you. When your doctor prescribed Aldara, did they indicate that it was used for melanoma before and shown to be effective? Also, you mentioned that you didnt see anything happening with Aldara until you started IL-2, how long were you on Aldara before you started IL-2? I dont remember how I came across Aldara but I cant seem to find anything that talks about Aldara's effectiveness with melanoma other than the clinical trial offerred at UVA now which I am considering. My father is currently on IPI and his doctor is not optimistic that he is a responder as his lesions are progressing. His doctor hasnt mentioned IL-2 but I dont think dad is going to be able to tolerate it.
Thank you Karen for your help and I hope you have continued response with this combo.
Chau
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- November 11, 2011 at 12:25 am
Thanks Linda.
Hi Chau,
Yes, I use Imiquimod on my melanoma, which is on my face. I use it every night. I was first given the creme before I started Ipi (my docs don't think I'm a responder, but since it was spreading very close to my eye and near and even in my ear, they declared me a non-responder, and I'm now on my next treatment, IL-2, which I seem to be responding to. I had one round of IL-2 in September, and I'm going back to Yale-New Haven on Monday for round 2. Each round for me is 5 days in hosp., one week home to recuperate, repeat week in hosp.
I use the imiquimod on the entire area. At first it didn't do too much, but ever since I began my IL-2, the entire area has crusted over, and some of it has flaked off, taking the melanoma with it. In some places it leaves behind pigment (looks like a freckle but totally smoothe, not bumpy or raised as melanoma is. In other areas, it has come off and taken the pigment with it, leaving flesh-colored skin, which is fantastic. My doctors believe that the IL-2 and Imiq. work synergistically with each other, and I absolutely agree.
The only side-effects I have from the Imiquimod are localized–very red, sensitive skin. I understand that the skin can blister, but that hasn't happened to me (yet, LOL) I've read on the Aldera web-site where peope get very bad side effects, but it seems that those reports are from people who have used it on their genitals or lips. My most sensitive area is right adjacent to my eye; I'm very careful not to get any of the creme in my eye.
I do feel tired, but with all the treatments I've had, it could be from anything.
That's about it, please let me know if you have any other questions.
Take care,
Karen
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- November 11, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Hello Chau.
I was prescribed aldera for some skin lessions on my face by my oncologist, and used it for about six months. I think it helped, getting rid of a few lessions, and perhaps slowing the progression of others. When it seemed not to be getting rid of the lessions, I was switched to Temodar, and what were obvious lessions have pancaked out (are flat and stable) or disappeared. I didn't experience significant side effects from Aldera, outside of reaction at the site (redness, "weeping," which are supposed to be good signs). My use was monitored by a dermatologist, and they have good handouts on how/how often etc. to apply it (something like three nights a week). Main thing: it is strong stuff, and important to apply sparingly, as instructed.
Paul
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- November 11, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Hello Chau.
I was prescribed aldera for some skin lessions on my face by my oncologist, and used it for about six months. I think it helped, getting rid of a few lessions, and perhaps slowing the progression of others. When it seemed not to be getting rid of the lessions, I was switched to Temodar, and what were obvious lessions have pancaked out (are flat and stable) or disappeared. I didn't experience significant side effects from Aldera, outside of reaction at the site (redness, "weeping," which are supposed to be good signs). My use was monitored by a dermatologist, and they have good handouts on how/how often etc. to apply it (something like three nights a week). Main thing: it is strong stuff, and important to apply sparingly, as instructed.
Paul
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- November 13, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Hi again, Chau.
I know people have seen good results with Imiquimod on its own…maybe I hadn't used it for a long enough period of time before the IL-2, and the IL-2 just boosted it along.
Everyone's regimin is different, my docs are pretty adament about my using it every night. If it's really, really sore & weeping, they let me take 3 days off. Since it seems to be helping, I keep using it.
Also, I believe that using it to treat melanoma is relatively new.
take care,
karen
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- November 13, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Hi again, Chau.
I know people have seen good results with Imiquimod on its own…maybe I hadn't used it for a long enough period of time before the IL-2, and the IL-2 just boosted it along.
Everyone's regimin is different, my docs are pretty adament about my using it every night. If it's really, really sore & weeping, they let me take 3 days off. Since it seems to be helping, I keep using it.
Also, I believe that using it to treat melanoma is relatively new.
take care,
karen
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- November 13, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Hi again, Chau.
I know people have seen good results with Imiquimod on its own…maybe I hadn't used it for a long enough period of time before the IL-2, and the IL-2 just boosted it along.
Everyone's regimin is different, my docs are pretty adament about my using it every night. If it's really, really sore & weeping, they let me take 3 days off. Since it seems to be helping, I keep using it.
Also, I believe that using it to treat melanoma is relatively new.
take care,
karen
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- November 13, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Hi Paul,
Thank you for responding. It sounds like while Aldara is very strong, it is tolerable. I hope that Temodar does the job of getting rid of your tumors. I have been trying to see if any of these topical immunotherapy can help my dad with his in the transit mets on his leg. He is 83 years old so I want to make make sure the medication is not too toxic and he can tolerate it. Thank you again for your input.
Chau
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- November 13, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Hi Paul,
Thank you for responding. It sounds like while Aldara is very strong, it is tolerable. I hope that Temodar does the job of getting rid of your tumors. I have been trying to see if any of these topical immunotherapy can help my dad with his in the transit mets on his leg. He is 83 years old so I want to make make sure the medication is not too toxic and he can tolerate it. Thank you again for your input.
Chau
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- November 13, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Hi Paul,
Thank you for responding. It sounds like while Aldara is very strong, it is tolerable. I hope that Temodar does the job of getting rid of your tumors. I have been trying to see if any of these topical immunotherapy can help my dad with his in the transit mets on his leg. He is 83 years old so I want to make make sure the medication is not too toxic and he can tolerate it. Thank you again for your input.
Chau
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- November 11, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Hello Chau.
I was prescribed aldera for some skin lessions on my face by my oncologist, and used it for about six months. I think it helped, getting rid of a few lessions, and perhaps slowing the progression of others. When it seemed not to be getting rid of the lessions, I was switched to Temodar, and what were obvious lessions have pancaked out (are flat and stable) or disappeared. I didn't experience significant side effects from Aldera, outside of reaction at the site (redness, "weeping," which are supposed to be good signs). My use was monitored by a dermatologist, and they have good handouts on how/how often etc. to apply it (something like three nights a week). Main thing: it is strong stuff, and important to apply sparingly, as instructed.
Paul
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