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Perspectives of photodynamic therapy for skin diseases
V C Colussi1, D K Feyes, H Mukhtar
1Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, Ohio 44106-5028, USA.
Abstract:
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is largely an experimental modality for the treatment of neoplastic and selected nonneoplastic diseases. This therapeutic procedure, through a cascade of events, leads to cell killing. In the past few years, dermatology has taken advantage of PDT for the treatment of skin cancer and other skin diseases. The skin has considerable attributes over many other organs for the application of PDT. These include the accessibility to all three PDT essential requirements; the drug (photosensitizing agent), visible light and oxygen. The major benefit of experimental PDT in dermatology is the ability to assess the clinical response visually and the relative ease in obtaining biopsies for precise biochemical and histological analysis. Currently, PDT has received approval worldwide for the ablation of various tumor types. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has approved PDT for the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer and selected patients with lung cancer. Clinical trials, employing several types of photosensitizers for PDT, are ongoing for a variety of dermatological lesions. This review summarizes current knowledge of PDT in dermatology and highlights future perspectives of this modality for effective management of skin diseases.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a promising approach for treating skin conditions. This review explores PDT
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an experimental treatment for neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases.
- Dermatology utilizes PDT for skin cancer and other skin conditions due to the skin's accessibility to photosensitizing agents, light, and oxygen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge of photodynamic therapy in dermatology.
- To highlight future perspectives for managing skin diseases with PDT.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on photodynamic therapy in dermatology.
- Analysis of clinical trials and FDA-approved applications of PDT.
Main Results:
- PDT has received worldwide approval for various tumor types.
- The FDA has approved PDT for advanced esophageal and selected lung cancers.
- Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating photosensitizers for dermatological lesions.
Conclusions:
- Photodynamic therapy is a valuable modality for skin cancer and other dermatological conditions.
- The skin's unique properties facilitate PDT application and assessment.
- Further research and clinical trials are expanding PDT's role in dermatology.