Photodynamic Therapy for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Authors:
Sari M. FienFrom the Department of Dermatology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York.

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Allan R. OseroffFrom the Department of Dermatology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York.

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 MD, PhD
Volume/Issue:
Volume 5: Issue 5
Online Publication Date:
May 2007
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6004/jnccn.2007.0046
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Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the administration of a photosensitizing drug and its subsequent activation by light at wave-lengths matching the absorption spectrum of the photosensitizer. Because the skin is readily accessible to light-based therapies, PDT with systemic and particularly with topical agents has become important in treating cutaneous disorders. Topical PDT is indicated for treating actinic keratosis, superficial or thin non-melanoma skin cancer, including some cases of nodular basal cell carcinoma, and some cutaneous lymphomas. Advantages of aminolevulinic acid/methyl aminolevulinate PDT include the possibility of simultaneous treatment of multiple tumors and large surface areas, good cosmesis, and minimal morbidity, such as bleeding, scarring, or infection.

Correspondence: Allan R. Oseroff, MD, PhD, Roswell Park Cancer Institute and State University of NY at Buffalo, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. E-mail: allan.oseroff@roswellpark.org
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Copyright:
Copyright © 2007 by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Page Numbers:
10
Article Category:
Research Article
Received:
23 Jan 2007
Accepted:
08 Feb 2007
Print Publication Date:
01 May 2007
Online Publication Date:
May 2007
Keywords:
Photodynamic therapy; light-based therapies; cutaneous disorders; skin cancer
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