Topical Photodynamic Therapy for Treatment of Actinic Keratosis Using Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Device

Abstract

Background: Photodynamic therapy is a treatment modality which involves the sequential administration of a photosensitizer and light. Topical photodynamic therapy is being increasingly used for superficial non-melanoma skin cancers and their precursors. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of treating actinic keratosis with photodynamic therapy using a light-emitting diode device and 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid. Methods: Photodynamic therapy, with a 630+/-50nm light-emitting diode device and 5-aminolevulinic acid, was used to treat 12 lesions of actinic keratosis on 8 patients. The light intensity used was 50mW/cm2 , and the light dose was 100-120J/cm2 . Four weeks after 1 or 2 treatment sessions, the outcome was evaluated by histopathological findings. Results: Complete clearance was achieved in 8 of 12 lesions after a single treatment, and in 3 of 12 lesions after 2 treatment sessions. Only 1 case showed partial response after 2 treatment sessions. Only 2 patients suffered from a stinging sensation when exposed to the light therapy. Conclusion: Topical photodynamic therapy using a light-emitting diode is safe and effective in the treatment of actinic keratosis.