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Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of extensive Bowen's disease
Norberto López1, Teresa Meyer-Gonzalez, Enrique Herrera-Acosta
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, School of Medicine, Malaga, Spain. norbertoln@hotmail.com
Background:
Surgical excision is the preferred method of eradicating Bowen´s disease (BD). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been successfully used for treatment of actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and BD.
Objective:
Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of PDT for treatment of extensive BD.
Method:
Eighteen patients with 23 biopsy-proven BD lesions were treated with PDT. We defined as extensive those lesions large than 3 cm. Methyl aminolevulinate cream was applied for 3 h before illumination with an light emitting diode light source at a wavelength of 630 nm (energy density of 37 J/cm²). Treatment was repeated 1 week later.
Results:
After 12 weeks of treatment, 22 of 23 BD lesions (90%) showed complete clinical response. Only three lesions recurred after a follow-up period of 12 months. Cosmetic outcome at 12 months was good or excellent in 94% of patients.
Conclusion:
Methyl aminolevulinate PDT is an effective treatment option for extensive BD with excellent cosmesis.
