Disclosed is a method of inhibiting the growth of neoplastic tumors and lesions and localized infections by administering an Immune Response Modifier (IRM) drug to human patients suffering from such tumors, lesions or infections. IRMs act by stimulating cellular immunity and have been found to have both anti-viral and anti-tumor effects. By administering IRM drugs directly into a tumor, lesion or infection, the cells of the tumor, lesion or infection, as well as those surrounding the tumor, lesion or infection can be stimulated to increase their cellular response, thereby inhibiting the growth of such tumors, lesions or infections.