Health Library Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: Photodynamic TherapyFrom Healthwise

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Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: Photodynamic Therapy

Topic Overview

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is being studied as a treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancer. PDT is a process of applying a medicine to a skin cancer and then shining a special laser light on it.

Results of early studies with the medicine 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) show that topical PDT may be effective in treating actinic keratoses on the face and scalp, squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen's disease), and superficial basal cell carcinomas. Studies report good results with skin appearance after treatment and a low rate of side effects.¹

Studies of PDT with methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) found that this treatment was as effective as cryosurgery for actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen's disease).²

Related Information

Skin Cancer, Nonmelanoma

References

Citations
Liu H, et al. (2004). Photodynamic therapy of multiple nonmelanoma skin cancers with verteprofin and red light-emitting diodes: Two-year results evaluating tumor response and cosmetic outcomes. Archives of Dermatology, 140(1): 26–32.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2010). Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, Version 1. Available online: http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/nmsc.pdf.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
Last Revised	October 1, 2010

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Last Revised: October 1, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology

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