Application of microneedling in photodynamic therapy: A systematic review.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) is pivotal in the management of diverse dermatologic conditions. Microneedling (MN) is a minimally invasive tool that is capable of inducing transient pores on the skin to facilitate transdermal drug delivery. Several studies have reported augmentation of PDT combined with MN. This systematic review analyzes the current studies on the efficacy and safety of MN-assisted PDT for skin diseases. METHODS: The literature search using the PRISMA standard was completed through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CENTRAL from the establishment of the databases to November 2023. Two independent researchers finished the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 12 articles and 413 subjects met our study criteria. This systematic review suggests that MN-assisted PDT can decrease the incubation time required for the photosensitizer and reduce skin lesions of actinic keratosis (AK) . The common side effect is pain and no serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: MN is an effective method to increase the transdermal delivery rate of photosensitizers. For different photosensitizers and disease, MN may show different clinical effects.