In vivo optical coherence tomography-guided photodynamic therapy for skin pre-cancer and cancer

The primary aim of this prospective study is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of OCT to map real tumor margins and to monitor skin changes that occurred post- PDT. Moreover, to optimize PDT efficacy based on the relationship between measured OCT features and treatment outcome.

A series of 12 patients with overall 18 facial skin lesions were investigated by OCT before surface illumination by PDT to determine tumor free margins. Monitoring of the healing process was undertaken at 3, 6 and 12 months post-PDT. Parameters measured by the in vivo OCT during healing phase were the organization of skin layer and the degree skin fibroses for the active center and peripheral transit zone of the treated lesion. Clinical and aesthetics assessment was carried out at 12-month post-PDT.

Distinct microstructural differences between normal skin, pre-cancer, cancer, and the transition zone between the two tissues were observed on OCT images. In the subsequent healing phase, OCT demonstrate marked delineation and organization of skin layer at late stage of healing. Early features showing bizarre non-homogenous disorganized layering (scab) but afterwards, OCT was able to differentiate between different histological layers. One lesion demonstrated clinical healing by fibrosis (scar) without sign of recurrence. Another lesion demonstrated skin erythema. Only one lesion did not response to treatment despite margins clearance. The CR rate was 95% at the end of the study. The cosmetic effect was "excellent" in 89% of the patients.

This feasibility study lays the groundwork for using OCT as a real-time, noninvasive monitoring device for PDT in patients with skin cancer.