Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: We carried out a prospective, single-arm, phase II study of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-PDT in the treatment of recalcitrant viral warts in an Asian population. Recalcitrant viral warts were surgically pared, and then treated with 20% 5-ALA cream (Medac, Hamburg, Germany) under occlusion for 4 hours before irradiation with a red light source (Waldmann PDT1200; wavelength, 590-700 nm) at an irradiance of 50 mW/cm(2) and a total dose of 50 J/cm(2). PDT was repeated fortnightly for a maximum of four times. RESULTS: Twelve adult Asian patients were enrolled into the study (10 males, two females). The mean age of the patients was 32.8 years (range, 18-70 years). They had skin phototypes III-IV. Nine patients had plantar warts and three patients had hand warts (two had warts on the fingers, one had a wart on the palm). Five patients (42%) showed complete disappearance of their warts, one patient (8%) showed partial clearance (greater than 50% decrease in the wart area), five patients (42%) had stable disease (less than 50% decrease in the wart area), and one (8%) showed progressive disease (increase in the wart area). Adverse effects included mild to moderate pain and erythema, which lasted no longer than 48 hours and was well tolerated by all patients. None of the patients withdrew from the study because of side-effects. CONCLUSION: 5-ALA-PDT, given its noninvasiveness, minimal adverse effects, and good cosmetic results, is a promising alternative treatment for recalcitrant viral warts. Further studies with a larger cohort of patients would be of value.
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Authors | Yi Shi Wang, Yong Kwang Tay, Colin Kwok, Eileen Tan |
Journal | International journal of dermatology
(Int J Dermatol)
Vol. 46
Issue 11
Pg. 1180-4
(Nov 2007)
ISSN: 0011-9059 [Print] England |
PMID | 17988339
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Photosensitizing Agents
- Aminolevulinic Acid
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aminolevulinic Acid
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Female
- Foot Dermatoses
(drug therapy)
- Hand Dermatoses
(drug therapy)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Photochemotherapy
- Photosensitizing Agents
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Singapore
- Warts
(drug therapy)
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