New aspects in photodynamic therapy of actinic keratoses.

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Smits T, Moor AC

New aspects in photodynamic therapy of actinic keratoses.

J Photochem Photobiol B. 2009 Sep 4;96(3):159-69. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2009.06.003. Epub 2009 Jun 13.

PubMed ID
19592269 [ View in PubMed
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Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or its methyl ester (MAL) is a very effective method to treat actinic keratosis (AK). New developments will contribute to optimization of this treatment modality. This will partly be based on a better understanding of the nature of AKs. Since pain during treatment is a frequent side effect of PDT, new methods of alleviating pain are of high interest, especially when large areas are treated. A better understanding of the underlying mechanism of specific protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) accumulation can lead to further increase the response rates. New formulations might contribute to a wider acceptance of the treatment, for example a self-adhesive patch containing 5-ALA, promises easy handling, while maintaining high efficacy. New concepts in illumination, such as ambulatory PDT or daylight illumination might contribute to the further acceptance of this method.

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