Efficacy and Safety of Intralesional Injection of Mumps measles-Rubella (Mmr) Vaccine in the Treatment of Multiple Cutaneous Warts: A Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous warts are common benign skin lesions caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Conventional treatments such as cryotherapy, salicylic acid, and electrosurgery are often associated with recurrence, pain, and variable efficacy. Intralesional immunotherapy using vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) has emerged as a promising alternative by stimulating host immune responses against HPV.

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intralesional MMR vaccine in the treatment of multiple cutaneous warts.

Materials and Methods: This was an open-label, uncontrolled clinical trial conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi. The study was carried out over a period of one year and seven months, from 01 March 2017 to 30 September 2018. A total of 81 patients with multiple cutaneous warts attending the outpatient department were initially recruited based on eligibility criteria, of whom 81 patients completed the study and were included in the final analysis. The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of intralesional MMR vaccine in the treatment of cutaneous warts.
Results: In patients with verruca vulgaris (n = 42), the mean number of warts decreased from 8.43 at baseline to 1.60 at the final follow-up, showing a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.0001). In the verruca plana group (n = 12), the mean number of lesions showed a marked decline from 52.42 at baseline to 7.42 at final follow-up, also demonstrating highly significant improvement (p < 0.0001). Similarly, in patients with palmoplantar warts (n = 27), the mean lesion count reduced from 9.37 to 1.04, with a highly significant response (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Intralesional MMR vaccine is an effective and safe immunotherapeutic modality for the treatment of multiple cutaneous warts. It offers the advantage of treating both local and distant lesions with minimal adverse effects, making it a promising alternative to conventional destructive therapies.