Immunotherapy with imiquimod in cervical, vaginal, and vulvar intraepithelial lesions – a review of the literature

Imiquimod is a topical immunomodulatory agent commonly used in treating various skin conditions, including precancerous lesions.This review summarizes current evidence on the efficacy and safety of imiquimod for treating vaginal, cervical, and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasias (VAIN, CIN, and VIN, respectively).These lesions are often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and can progress to cancer if left untreated.The review highlights that Imiquimod can stimulate the immune response to clear HPV-infected cells, suggesting it is a promising non-invasive treatment option for these lesions.Studies report varying success rates, with Imiquimod being particularly effective in treating VIN and showing potential in CIN and VAIN management.The treatment's advantages include its non-invasive nature, fewer side effects than traditional treatments (such as surgery), and the potential to preserve normal tissue.However, side effects such as local inflammation and discomfort are common, and treatment response can vary by lesion type and patient factors.The review concludes that Imiquimod therapy is a promising form of treatment, but more studies are needed to determine its optimal use, including treatment duration, dosing, and patient selection criteria.