Treatment of giant Bowen's disease with sequential use of photodynamic therapy and imiquimod cream

Abstract

We present a 79-year-old man with a 2-year history of Bowen's disease. The 10 × 10 plaque was located on the right frontotemporal area. The patient was treated with two photodynamic therapy (PDT) sessions, performed 1 week apart, followed by five times per week application of imiquimod 5% cream for 6 consecutive weeks. Complete clinical and histological response was achieved 3 months after treatment was completed. The patient remains recurrence free 12 months after treatment. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated as fair because of residual erythema. Long-term follow-up is mandatory for assessment of recurrences. Further studies are needed in order to confirm the improved outcome using the combination of PDT and imiquimod cream.