Therapeutic modalities for localized psoriasis: 308-nm UVB excimer laser versus nontargeted phototherapy.

Abstract

UVB phototherapy is an effective treatment modality for psoriasis. For patients with localized plaque-type lesions, 308-nm excimer laser phototherapy offers rapidly delivered, targeted, high UVB doses, while sparing adjacent healthy skin. We aimed to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the 308-nm xenon chloride (XeCI) UVB excimer laser with nontargeted broadband UVB (BB-UVB), narrowband UVB (NB-UVB), and psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) phototherapies. A PubMed search for studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of the laser versus nontargeted phototherapeutic modalities was conducted. Three prospective nonrandomized studies compared NB-UVB with excimer laser phototherapy. No head-to-head studies were found for BB-UVB or PUVA compared to excimer laser. Both the 308-nm excimer laser and nontargeted phototherapies were found to effectively clear localized psoriasis. Although it is proposed that excimer laser exclusively treats diseased skin with better response rates, split-body trials revealed no differences. Long-term studies are necessary to compare the effects of high-dose excimer laser regimens with nontargeted phototherapies.

• Authors: Tejaswi Mudigonda, Tushar S Dabade, Cameron E West, Steven R Feldman
• Journal: Cutis (Cutis) Vol. 90 Issue 3 Pg. 149-54 (Sep 2012) ISSN: 0011-4162 [Print] United States
• PMID: 23094316 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Topics

• Humans
• Lasers, Excimer (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• PUVA Therapy (adverse effects, methods)
• Psoriasis (pathology, therapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultraviolet Therapy (adverse effects, methods)