Sequential treatment of daylight photodynamic therapy and imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma on sun exposed areas

Effect of substituents in chlorin e6 derivatives on the loading efficiency of the photosensitizer into the liposome membrane and their biological activity

In this work, we incorporated the hydrophobic alkylamide and hydroxyalkylamide derivatives of chlorin e₆ into the lipid bilayer of liposomes. We obtained the data on the effectiveness of incorporation of studied compounds and have determined the size of liposomes and their stability when stored in liquid form. We also investigated the bioactivity of chlorin photosensitizers and compared the photodynamic activity of studied compounds in free and liposomal forms.

Treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma with 7.8% 5-aminolaevulinic acid nanoemulsion-based gel (BF-200 ALA) and photodynamic therapy: Results in clinical practice in a tertiary hospital

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective treatment option for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). Recent publications have demonstrated that PDT with 7.8% 5-aminolaevulinic acid nanoemulsion-based gel (BF-200 ALA-PDT) is an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of sBCC). To investigate the efficacy and safety of 7.8% 5-aminolaevulinic acid nanoemulsion-based gel (BF-200 ALA)-PDT for the treatment of sBCC. A non-controlled, open-label single centre study was conducted. Patients received one PDT cycle with two PDT sessions one-week apart. In case that clinical-dermoscopy evaluation of treatment outcome revealed remaining lesions, a second PDT cycle was performed. The clinical results at the dermoscopy and fluorescence diagnosis level were histologically confirmed in all patients. Treatment response was evaluated 3, 6, and 12 months after last PDT session. A total of 31 patients (12 men and 19 women), with a median age of 63.74 years were included in this study. 3-month after PDT-session, 23/31 patients were complete responders (74.19%) after two BF-200 ALA -PDT sessions. Esthetic outcome was considered good-to-excellent. 5 Aminolevulinic acid 7.8% nanoemulsion-based gel (BF-200 ALA) PDT is an effective therapy option for the treatment of sBCC. Complete clearance rates were higher in those patients who received only one PDT cycle. These results show a similar tendency as shown in other publications.

Photodynamic Therapy for Basal Cell Carcinoma: The Clinical Context for Future Research Priorities

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an established treatment option for low-risk basal cell carcinoma (BCC). BCC is the most common human cancer and also a convenient cancer in which to study PDT treatment. This review clarifies challenges to researchers evident from the clinical use of PDT in BCC treatment. It outlines the context of PDT and how PDT treatments for BCC have been developed hitherto. The sections examine the development of systemic and subsequently topical photosensitizers, light delivery regimens, and the use of PDT in different patient populations and subtypes of BCC. The outcomes of topical PDT are discussed in comparison with alternative treatments, and topical PDT applications in combination and adjuvant therapy are considered. The intention is to summarize the clinical relevance and expose areas of research need in the BCC context, ultimately to facilitate improvements in PDT treatment.

Daylight Photodynamic Therapy: An Update

Daylight photodynamic therapy (dPDT) uses sunlight as a light source to treat superficial skin cancer. Using sunlight as a therapeutic device has been present for centuries, forming the basis of photodynamic therapy in the 20th century. Compared to conventional PDT, dPDT can be a less painful, more convenient and an effective alternative. The first clinical uses of dPDT on skin cancers began in Copenhagen in 2008. Currently, aminolevulinic acid-mediated dPDT has been approved to treat actinic keratosis patients in Europe. In this review article, we introduce the history and mechanism of dPDT and focus on the pros and cons of dPDT in treating superficial skin cancers. The future applications of dPDT on other skin diseases are expected to expand as conventional PDT evolves.

Basal Cell Carcinoma: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human cancer worldwide, and is a subtype of nonmelanoma skin cancer, characterized by a constantly increasing incidence due to an aging population and widespread sun exposure. Although the mortality from BCC is negligible, this tumor can be associated with significant morbidity and cost. This review presents a literature overview of BCC from pathophysiology to novel therapeutic approaches. Several histopathological BCC subtypes with different prognostic values have been described. Dermoscopy and, more recently, reflectance confocal microscopy have largely improved BCC diagnosis. Although surgery is the first-line treatment for localized BCC, other nonsurgical local treatment options are available. BCC pathogenesis depends on the interaction between environmental and genetic characteristics of the patient. Specifically, an aberrant activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway is implicated in its pathogenesis. Notably, Hedgehog signaling inhibitors, such as vismodegib and sonidegib, are successfully used as targeted treatment for advanced or metastatic BCC. Furthermore, the implementation of prevention measures has demonstrated to be useful in the patient management.

European Dermatology Forum guidelines on topical photodynamic therapy 2019 Part 1: treatment delivery and established indications - actinic keratoses, Bowen's disease and basal cell carcinomas

Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a widely approved therapy for actinic keratoses, Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ), superficial and certain thin basal cell carcinomas. Recurrence rates when standard treatment protocols are used are typically equivalent to existing therapies, although inferior to surgery for nodular basal cell carcinoma. PDT can be used both as lesional and field therapies and has the potential to delay/reduce the development of new lesions. A protocol using daylight to treat actinic keratoses is widely practised, with conventional PDT using a red light after typically a 3-h period of occlusion employed for other superficial skin cancer indications as well as for actinic keratoses when daylight therapy is not feasible. PDT is a well-tolerated therapy although discomfort associated with conventional protocol may require pain-reduction measures. PDT using daylight is associated with no or minimal pain and preferred by patient. There is an emerging literature on enhancing conventional PDT protocols or combined PDT with another treatment to increase response rates. This guideline, published over two parts, considers all current approved and emerging indications for the use of topical PDT in dermatology, prepared by the PDT subgroup of the European Dermatology Forum guidelines committee. It presents consensual expert recommendations reflecting current published evidence.