Spotlighting the role of photodynamic therapy in cutaneous malignancy: an update and expansion
Kate Ross1, Basil Cherpelis, Mary Lien
1Department of Dermatology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
Background:
Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an option for the treatment of cutaneous malignancy.
Objective:
To present an update and expansion on a previous review of the use of PDT in the current literature in the treatment of actinic keratoses (AK), superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma (sBCC, nBCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Bowen's disease, cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), malignant melanoma, and its use in chemoprevention.
Methods:
Extensive PubMed search January 2013.
Results And Conclusions:
We find sufficient evidence to recommend the use of PDT in certain patients in the treatment of AK, Bowen's disease, sBCC, and nBCC. It is especially useful in those with contraindications to surgery, widespread areas of involvement, and large lesions. Not only can it be considered superior to other therapies as far as recovery time, tolerance, and cosmetic outcomes, but it also should be considered, when indicated, as first-line treatment in the above conditions. Investigations continue for the use of PDT in the treatment of melanoma, SCC, chemoprevention, and CTCL.
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