Photodynamic therapy in dermatology: the next five years

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has had a rapid insurgence into the dermatologic armamentarium of clinicians from all over the world. Its use in actinic keratoses and in non-melanoma skin cancers is well described. Additional uses, including its use in the treatment of photorejuvenation and acne vulgaris and related disorders, are gaining more widespread use. More recent descriptions, including its potential use as a chemoprevention agent, warrant further investigations and discussions. PDT is a global treatment modality and physicians and investigators must view the therapy as such, and use the best photosensitizer for the best indication, and continue to evaluate new approaches to maximize the use of PDT in dermatology.