Optical coherence angiography for pre-treatment assessment and treatment monitoring following photodynamic therapy: a basal cell carcinoma patient study

Sci Rep. 2019 Dec 10;9(1):18670. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-55215-6.

Abstract

Microvascular networks of human basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and surrounding skin were assessed with optical coherence angiography (OCA) in conjunction with photodynamic therapy (PDT). OCA images were collected and analyzed in 31 lesions pre-treatment, and immediately/24 hours/3-12 months post-treatment. Pre-treatment OCA enabled differentiation between prevalent subtypes of BCC (nodular and superficial) and nodular-with-necrotic-core BCC subtypes with a diagnostic accuracy of 78%; this can facilitate more accurate biopsy reducing sampling error and better therapy regimen selection. Post-treatment OCA images at 24 hours were 98% predictive of eventual outcome. Additional findings highlight the importance of pre-treatment necrotic core, vascular metrics associated with hypertrophic scar formation, and early microvascular changes necessary in both tumorous and peri-tumorous regions to ensure treatment success.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aminolevulinic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Angiography*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / blood supply
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / drug therapy*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Face / blood supply
  • Face / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Necrosis
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / administration & dosage
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Aminolevulinic Acid