INTRALESIONAL ANTIGEN IMMUNOTHERAPY FOR TREATMENT OF PERIUNGAL WARTS

In this blinded prospective study, 150 patients (aged 6–22 years) with periungual warts were randomized to receive intralesional measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine; Candida antigen; or purified protein derivative (PPD). Patients were treated at 2-week intervals for a maximum of 5 treatment sessions or until complete resolution. Complete clearance of warts was achieved in 80% of the Candida antigen group, 74% of the MMR group, and 70% of the PPD group. The mean number of sessions needed to treat ranged from 1.88 (Candida) to 4.22 (MMR). Erythema, edema, and flu-like symptoms were experienced by a minority of patients in all three treatment groups. No recurrence was noted following 6 months of follow-up in all treatment groups.

 

These data suggest that intralesional antigen immunotherapy with MMR, Candida antigen, or PPD may be efficacious in the treatment of periungual warts with low recurrence potential. Intralesional immunotherapy was well tolerated and did not cause cosmetic disfigurement of the nail.

 

Source: Kelly B. Scarberry, MD, Practice Update [2/16/21] via Dr. Allen Jacobs

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News