Luiz Eduardo Garcia Galvão, Heitor de Sá Gonçalves, Antônio Renê Diógenes de Sousa, Leonardo Augusto Coelho Torres da Silva, Iana de Almeida Siqueira
Surg Cosmet Dermatol. 2010;2(4):285-290
Abstract
PDF Portuguese
PDF Portuguese
Introduction: Photodynamic therapy uses photochemical substances that selectively
impregnate abnormal tissue and act as a sensitizing agent for the light.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical response, aesthetic results and side effects of applying
photodynamic therapy using the photosensitizer methyl-aminolevulinate hydrochloride
in actinic keratosis lesions, basal cell carcinomas, and Bowen’s disease.
Methods: After removing scales or crusts and impregnating the lesion with methylaminolevulinate
hydrochloride, 632 nm (37 j/cm2) red light radiation was applied, at a
distance of 5 to 8 cm from the skin, for 8 minutes.
Results: 102 patients (59 with actinic keratosis, 32 with basal cell carcinoma, and 11 with
Bowen’s disease) were studied.After 12 weeks, only 14 patients (6 actinic keratosis, 6 basal
cell carcinoma, and 2 Bowen’s disease) had incomplete results. The treatment yielded
excellent aesthetic results.The main complications were 1 case of severe erythema and 1
case of important pustules and edema.
Conclusions: Consistent with the literature, this study confirms the efficacy of photodynamic
therapy with methyl-aminolevulinate hydrochloride in the treatment of actinic
keratosis lesions and non-melanocytic cutaneous neoplasias, with similar recurrence rates
and better aesthetic results than conventional therapies.