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Realizing the cosmetic potential of topical photodynamic therapy
Author(s) -
Morton C A
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of cosmetic dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.626
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1473-2165
pISSN - 1473-2130
DOI - 10.1046/j.1473-2165.2002.00033.x
Subject(s) - photodynamic therapy , dermatology , cosmetic techniques , medicine , sunscreening agents , skin cancer , chemistry , cancer , organic chemistry
Summary Several open studies report the efficacy of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) for non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and precursor lesions. PDT may also be effective in various inflammatory and infectious dermatoses. As a tissue sparing modality, PDT may be preferable for large and/or multiple lesions and those in sites where disfigurement or poor healing from conventional therapies is a particular risk. Limited comparison data confirms that topical PDT achieves superior cosmesis to conventional therapies in actinic keratoses, squamous cell carcinoma in‐situ and basal cell carcinoma. This review assesses the current data and proposes potential future applications for topical PDT including the treatment of photo‐damaged skin.