Soler AM, Warloe T, Berner A, Giercksky KE
A follow-up study of recurrence and cosmesis in completely responding superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas treated with methyl 5-aminolaevulinate-based photodynamic therapy alone and with prior curettage. [Journal Article]
Br J Dermatol 2001 Sep; 145(3):467-71.
BACKGROUND: Methyl 5-aminolaevulinate (mALA) is an ester derivative of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) with increased lipophilicity compared with ALA.
OBJECTIVES: To assess long-term cure rate, cosmesis, recurrence rate and extent of fibrosis after mALA-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) of superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) showing early complete response to treatment.
METHODS: Of 350 BCCs treated, 310 responded completely. These were in 59 patients who were followed for 2-4 years (mean 35 months) after mALA-PDT. Nodular tumours were curetted before PDT, and mALA 160 mg g(-1) was applied to all tumours for 24 h or 3 h before illumination from a broad-band halogen light source with light doses from 50 to 200 J cm(-2). Fibrosis was assessed histologically in 23 biopsies.
RESULTS: The overall cure rate for 350 BCCs, including non-responders and recurrences was 79%. Of 310 lesions, 277 (89%) remained in complete response, and the cosmetic outcome was excellent or good in 272 of the completely responding lesions (98%). Histological examination showed dermal fibrosis in one of 23 biopsies.
CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that mALA-based PDT with prior curettage of nodular lesions is a promising new method for the treatment of BCC.
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