Is Aldara Carcinogenic?

Imiquimod comes in several different molecular forms. In this article, we'll discuss one form that has been researched. The form found in Aldera® is different.

Certain forms of Imiquimod , (2-Amino-3-methylimidazo [4,5-f]quinoline]) are likely to be a human carcinogen based of animal research. [IARC 1993]

"All animal species studied have been found to metabolize IQ to products that react with DNA, as do human mammary gland cells and liver microsomes in vitro. No available data suggest that mechanisms thought to account for IQ’s induction of tumors in experimental animals would not also operate in humans." [Carcinogencity of Imiquimod]

Additional References

I. Arany, S. K. Tyring, M. M. Brysk, M. A. Stanley, M. A. Tomai, R. L. Miller, M. H. Smith, D. J. McDermott, and H. B. Slade "Correlation between Pretreatment Levels of Interferon Response Genes and Clinical Responses to an Immune Response Modifier (Imiquimod) in Genital Warts" Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, July 2000, p. 1869-1873, Vol. 44, No. 7.