TOPICAL USE OF CIDOFOVIR FOR THE TREATMENT OF LESIONS ASSOCIATED WITH HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Genital warts are epithelial lesions induced by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Nowadays, the techniques used to treat these lesions are painful and the relapses usually occur in short periods. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of cidofovir in the treatment of HPV among other viral infections. The objective of this literature review is to discuss about the drug and its clinical use in the treatment of HPV, presenting the dosage form, dosage, side effects and data on its efficacy. The results of this literature review showed that the intralesional and epidermal use of cidofovir in extemporaneous
formulations are effective in the management of condyloma. The topical use of cidofovir is, therefore, a clinical alternative to conventional treatments, minimizing local side effects and avoiding the occurrence of systemic
adverse effects. Therefore, it is necessary to standardize a topical formulation through pre-formulation studies and other clinical trials in order to obtain a stable, safe and effective preparation for the treatment of HPV-associated
lesions.