Actinic keratosis. Current treatment options

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Photomedicine

Background:

• Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common, sun-induced epidermal lesions.
• These lesions represent abnormal keratinocyte proliferation and have a low but significant potential to evolve into squamous cell carcinoma.
• While sun exposure is the primary cause, dietary factors like high fat intake may also influence AK development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the etiology and treatment of actinic keratoses.
• To highlight photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical aminolevulinic acid (ALA) as a novel therapeutic option.
• To compare PDT efficacy with established treatments for AKs.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on actinic keratoses and their management.
• Focus on photodynamic therapy (PDT) using topical aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and light.
• Comparison of PDT outcomes with cryotherapy, fluorouracil, dermabrasion, and chemical peels.

Main Results:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is approved for treating multiple actinic keratoses on the face and scalp.
• PDT demonstrates comparable cure rates to established therapies such as cryotherapy and fluorouracil.
• Sun protection and avoidance remain crucial for AK prevention and management.

Conclusions:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is an effective new treatment for widespread actinic keratoses.
• PDT offers a valuable alternative for patients with numerous lesions in sun-damaged skin.
• Continued research into AK pathogenesis and treatment optimization is warranted.