Photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma

Future Oncol. 2015 Nov;11(22):2991-6. doi: 10.2217/fon.15.208. Epub 2015 Nov 9.

Abstract

Topical photodynamic therapy is an effective and safe noninvasive treatment for low-risk basal cell carcinoma, with the advantage of an excellent cosmetic outcome. Efficacy of photodynamic therapy in basal cell carcinoma is supported by substantial research and clinical trials. In this article, we review the procedure, indications and clinical evidences for the use of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.

Keywords: ALA; Gorlin syndrome; MAL; ambulatory PDT; aminolevulinic acid; basal cell carcinoma; cosmetic outcome; cryotherapy; dermoscopy; fluorouracil; fractionated PDT; imiquimod; methyl aminolevulinate; noninvasive; nonmelanoma skin cancer; organ transplant recipients; photodynamic therapy; photosensitizer; reflectance confocal microscopy; surgery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / pathology
  • Humans
  • Organ Transplantation
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Transplant Recipients
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents