[Photodynamic therapy in dermatooncology]

Area of Science:

• Dermato-oncology
• Photochemistry
• Cellular biology

Context:

• Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are prevalent, often requiring treatments that consider cosmetic outcomes, especially for facial and hand lesions.
• Surgical excision is standard, but emerging therapies like photodynamic therapy (PDT) are gaining acceptance for superficial NMSCs.
• PDT utilizes light-activated photosensitizers that accumulate in tumor cells, leading to targeted destruction.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and cosmetic outcomes of photodynamic therapy for NMSCs.
• To review the literature and present clinical experiences with PDT in dermato-oncology.
• To compare PDT with conventional treatments regarding effectiveness and aesthetic results.

Summary:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves activating photosensitizers with light to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species, inducing apoptosis in tumor cells.
• PDT has demonstrated efficacy in treating solar keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma, and Bowen's disease, offering superior cosmetic results compared to traditional methods.
• The study reviews authors' experiences with 212 NMSC patients treated with PDT and relevant literature.

Impact:

• PDT provides a valuable therapeutic option for NMSCs, particularly when cosmetic preservation is crucial.
• The treatment is associated with generally moderate and transient side effects such as erythema and edema.
• PDT enhances treatment options in dermato-oncology, improving patient outcomes and aesthetic satisfaction.