Cutaneous warts are frequently difficult to treat successfully, with high rates of recurrence and infrequent complete removal. The human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes warts, is one of many DNA viruses that topical cidofovir, an antiviral drug, has been shown to be effective against in a recent study. The outcomes were published in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate safety and effectiveness of cidofovir in the treatment of non-genital warts. The existing literature was thoroughly reviewed by the researchers, who searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for pertinent case studies and reports.

The comprehensive analysis included 13 case reports, five case series, six retrospective chart reviews, and one clinical study, comprising a total of 603 patients. Among these patients, 212 were treated with topical cidofovir, which led to the clearance of warts in an impressive 55.2% of cases. Even more encouraging, no recurrence of lesions was reported in the two months to three years following treatment, with a mean follow-up of 15.8 months.
While the study shows substantial promise for cidofovir, some patients did report mild local side effects, including erythema, pruritus, and burning. Nevertheless, these side effects appeared to be manageable and did not outweigh the benefits of wart clearance.
This breakthrough is particularly significant as treatment options for stubborn non-genital warts are often limited, with varying degrees of efficacy. The findings suggest that topical cidofovir may provide an effective, safe, and cost-friendly alternative for those dealing with persistent non-genital warts.
Despite the promising results, the researchers underscored the importance of conducting controlled clinical trials to validate these findings. This additional research would not only confirm the efficacy and safety of cidofovir but also contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve treatment options for non-genital warts.
In the ongoing battle against these pesky skin conditions, topical cidofovir could be a game-changer. Further investigation will be necessary, but this study offers hope for those who have struggled with the recurrence of non-genital warts.
Source:
Cook, M. K., Hagen, E. M., & Feldman, S. R. (2023). Cidofovir in the management of non-genital warts: A review. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: JDD, 22(10), 1009–1016. https://doi.org/10.36849/jdd.7258