Photodynamic therapy: current evidence and applications in dermatology.

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the activation of a photosensitizing drug, which preferentially localizes to diseased skin, by irradiation with light to cause selective cytotoxic damage. Since its discovery in the early 20th century and the development of topical photosensitizers 2 decades ago, PDT is increasingly being used in dermatology for a wide range of neoplastic, inflammatory, and infectious cutaneous conditions. Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid and methyl aminolevulinic acid, the most commonly used agents in PDT, have received Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of actinic keratoses, and many second-generation photosensitizers are under investigation. Compared with conventional therapies, PDT has the advantage of being noninvasive and capable of field treatment. It is also associated with quicker recovery periods and excellent cosmetic results. Because of these benefits, PDT is being evaluated as a potential treatment option for many dermatologic conditions and has been shown to be effective for certain nonmelanoma skin cancers. Although research is still limited, PDT might also have a therapeutic benefit for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, acne, psoriasis, leishmaniasis, and warts, among others. This article is a review of the clinical applications of PDT in dermatology and summarizes the current evidence in literature describing its efficacy, safety, and cosmetic outcome.

• Authors: Yoojin Lee, Elma D Baron
• Journal: Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery (Semin Cutan Med Surg) Vol. 30 Issue 4 Pg. 199-209 (Dec 2011) ISSN: 1558-0768 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22123417 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Published by Elsevier Inc.

Chemical References

• Photosensitizing Agents
• methyl 5-aminolevulinate
• Aminolevulinic Acid

Topics

• Acne Vulgaris (drug therapy)
• Aminolevulinic Acid (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Bowen's Disease (drug therapy)
• Candidiasis (drug therapy)
• Carcinoma, Basal Cell (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Keratosis, Actinic (drug therapy)
• Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous (drug therapy)
• Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous (drug therapy)
• Photochemotherapy
• Photosensitizing Agents (therapeutic use)
• Psoriasis (drug therapy)
• Skin Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Tinea Capitis (drug therapy)
• Warts (drug therapy)