Basal Cell Carcinoma Chemoprevention Trial

Topical 5% Imiquimod cream will be applied once daily to the face in a thin layer for 12 weeks. Three packets of cream will be defined as one dose or application. The cream should be applied to the face prior to normal sleeping hours (it is readily absorbed) and left on the skin for 6-10 hours (i.e. overnight). Rest periods will be allowed if bothersome side effects occur.

The placebo vehicle control cream will be a virtually identical cream (to the Imiquimod cream) that contains no Imiquimod. This cream will be applied once daily to the face in a thin layer for 12 weeks. Three packets of cream will be defined as one dose or application. The cream should be applied to the face prior to normal sleeping hours (it is readily absorbed) and left on the skin for 6-10 hours (i.e. overnight). Rest periods will be allowed if bothersome side effects occur.