Topical Photodynamic Therapy for Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Photodynamic therapy has been reported to be useful in treating basal cell carcinoma. However, there have been no clinical trials for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma using photodynamic therapy in Korea.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.

Methods: Photodynamic therapy, with a 630+/-50 nm light-emitting diode device and 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid was used to treat 12 lesions of basal cell carcinoma on 12 patients. The light intensity used was 100 mW/cm(2) and the light dose was 120 to 280 joules/cm(2). The depth of lesions ranged from 0.35 to 1.5 mm. Histopathologic subtypes consisted of 9 nodular, 1 micronodular, 1 infiltrating, and 1 superficial type.

Results: Complete clearance was achieved in 2 of 12 lesions after 3 treatment sessions and 5 lesions after 4 treatment sessions. Overall, complete clearance was successful for 7 of 12 lesions (58%). Side effects were negligible in most patients, but two patients reported a moderate burning sensation in the first and second treatment sessions.

Conclusion: Photodynamic therapy may be a useful alternative treatment therapy for basal cell carcinoma, especially for those lesions where existing treatment has recognized limitations.