Psoralen cream plus ultraviolet A photochemotherapy (PUVA cream): our experience.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) bath photochemotherapy has been proved highly effective in the treatment of various dermatoses without potential side-effects of systemic therapy. Another form of topical PUVA therapy (PUVA cream) without the logistical requirements for bath tubs has recently been developed.

OBJECTIVE:

We sought to develop preparation and treatment standards to PUVA cream and to confirm its clinical efficacy in the treatment of various dermatoses.

METHODS:

In the first phase, the safety of a novel cream containing 0.002% 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) was determined in six healthy volunteers. In a second phase, 40 patients with different dermatoses were treated with a minor concentration (0.001% 8-MOP), following the guidelines for topical PUVA of the British Photodermatology Group.

RESULTS:

Plasma levels of psoralen after the application of the novel cream containing 0.002% 8-MOP, were less than 34 ng/mL, the maximum 8-MOP concentration reported for topical PUVA. With a minor concentration (0.001% 8-MOP), important improvement or healing was found in 53.3% of the cycles, generally with a good response since the first month of treatment. Only mild side-effects were detected in 14 patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on our data, PUVA cream photochemotherapy is well accepted by patients and may be a highly effective treatment even if previous therapy was unsuccessful. In addition, PUVA cream is easier to use than PUVA bath.

• Authors: T Pozo-Román, A González-López, M E Velasco-Vaquero, M Núñez-Cabezón
• Journal: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 136-42 (Feb 2006) ISSN: 0926-9959 [Print] England
• PMID: 16441619 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Methoxsalen

Topics

• Administration, Cutaneous
• Adult
• Aged
• Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Methoxsalen (administration & dosage, blood)
• Middle Aged
• PUVA Therapy
• Reference Values
• Skin Diseases (drug therapy, pathology)
• Treatment Outcome