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Immunotherapy is the name given to cancer treatments that use the body's immune system to attack cancer cells.
An immunotherapy cream called imiquimod (Aldara®) stimulates the immune system and may be used to treat some small, superficial basal cell cancers or Bowen's disease. It’s usually used in areas where surgery| may be difficult or for people who have more than one tumour.
You’ll be given the cream to take home and asked to apply it once a day for a number of weeks. Some redness or crusting of the skin occurs during the treatment, but there should be no permanent scarring. If the skin reaction is very strong, your doctor may give you a steroid cream to use as well.
Occasionally, the cream may cause shivers and other flu-like symptoms. If this is the case, let your doctor or specialist nurse know as they may advise you to stop using it.
Your hospital team can give you more detailed instructions on how to use your immunotherapy cream and how to manage any side effects.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.