Long-Term Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Fractionated 5-Aminolevulinic Acid 20% versus Conventional Two-Stage Topical Methyl Aminolevulinate for Superficial Basal-Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a noninvasive treatment for patients with superficial basal-cell carcinoma (sBCC). The efficacy of PDT may vary with different photosensitizers and treatment schedules. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate whether fractionated 5-aminolevulinic acid 20% (ALA)-PDT is superior to conventional two-stage methyl aminolevulinate (MAL)-PDT for sBCC. METHODS: We present the 5 years results of a single-blind, randomized, multicenter trial. 162 patients with a histologically confirmed primary sBCC were randomized to fractionated ALA-PDT or MAL-PDT. RESULTS: The 5-year tumor-free survival rate was 70.7% (95% CI 58.2-80.1%) for ALA-PDT and 76.5% (95% CI 64.4-85.0%) for MAL-PDT. In the first 3 years, there was no significant difference in risk of treatment failure (HR = 1.53, p = 0.283), but in the long-term, the risk of recurrence was significantly lower following MAL-PDT compared to ALA-PDT (HR = 0.125, p = 0.049). As judged by patients, the esthetic result was good-excellent in 96.8% (61/63) and 94.4% (56/59) of patients treated with ALA-PDT and MAL-PDT, respectively (p = 0.631). CONCLUSION: The long-term efficacy is significantly higher for conventional two-stage MAL-PDT than for fractionated ALA-PDT, whereas there was no significant difference in esthetic outcome between the treatments at 5 years after treatment. These results indicate that fractionated ALA-PDT offers no benefit over conventional two-stage MAL-PDT.

Histologic subtype of treatment failures after noninvasive therapy for superficial basal cell carcinoma: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: There have been concerns that recurrences after noninvasive therapy for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) transform into a "more aggressive" histologic subtype. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the proportion of patients with a nonsuperficial treatment failure after noninvasive therapy for superficial BCC. METHODS: An observational study was performed using data from a single blind, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial (March 2008-August 2010) with 5-year follow-up in patients with primary superficial BCC treated with methylaminolevulinate-photodynamic therapy, 5-fluorouracil, or imiquimod. Data were used from 166 adults with a histologically confirmed treatment failure. RESULTS: A nonsuperficial subtype was found in 64 of 166 treatment failures (38.6%). Proportions with a more aggressive subtype than the primary tumor were 51.3% (38/74) for early and 28.3% (26/92) for later treatment failures (P = .003). The proportion of more aggressive early failures was significantly lower after imiquimod (26.3%) compared with methylaminolevulinate-photodynamic therapy (54.8%, P = .086) and 5-fluorouracil (66.7%, P = .011). LIMITATIONS: There was limited information on the exact time of occurrence of treatment failures. CONCLUSION: More aggressive treatment failure recurrences after noninvasive therapy for superficial BCC occur most often within the first 3 months posttreatment, probably indicating underdiagnosis of more aggressive components in the primary tumor rather than transformation.

Tumor thickness and adnexal extension of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) as determinants of treatment failure for methylaminolevulinate (MAL)-photodynamic therapy (PDT), imiquimod, and 5-fluorouracil (FU).

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive treatments are frequently used in treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) because of better cosmetic results, lower costs, and less burden on health care services when compared with surgical excision. However, probability of treatment failure is higher after noninvasive therapies and may depend on histologic tumor characteristics. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate whether tumor thickness and adnexal extension are determinants of treatment failure in sBCC treated with topical methylaminolevulinate-photodynamic therapy, imiquimod, or 5-fluorouracil. METHODS: Data were derived from a randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of methylaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy, imiquimod, and 5-fluorouracil for treatment of sBCC (ISRCTN79701845). For tumors with treatment failure (n = 112) and a randomly selected control group of tumors without treatment failure (n = 224) data on tumor thickness and adnexal extension were retrospectively collected. Treatment failure was defined as a clinically and histologically persistent or recurrent tumor within 1-year posttreatment. RESULTS: Tumor thickness of included patients ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 mm. Tumor thickness and adnexal extension of sBCC were not significantly associated with treatment failure of methylaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy, imiquimod, or 5-fluorouracil. LIMITATIONS: Follow-up period of 1 year is a limitation. CONCLUSION: There seems to be no need to determine tumor thickness or adnexal extension in sBCC before treatment.

Correlation between histological findings on punch biopsy specimens and subsequent excision specimens in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Diagnosis and subsequent treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are frequently based on punch biopsies. Regarding the current TNM classification and stage grouping for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, it is important to identify the high-risk features (infiltration depth > 4 mm, perineural and/or lymphovascular invasion and poor differentiation). This study investigates the agreement of histological high-risk features and TNM grouping stage on 3 mm punch biopsies and subsequent surgical excision in 105 patients diagnosed with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. On punch biopsy, infiltration depth > 4 mm is not identified in 83.3% (30/36), perineural invasion in 90.9% (10/11) and poor differentiation in 85.7% (6/7) of cases. The TNM stage was underestimated on punch biopsy in 15.4% (16/104). This study shows that on a 3 mm punch biopsy, high-risk features in cSCC can remain undetected and that the actual TNM stage is not identified in 1 out of 6 tumours.

Fractionated 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy after partial debulking versus surgical excision for nodular basal cell carcinoma: a randomized controlled trial with at least 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Although effective in superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the treatment effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in nodular BCC (nBCC) is still questionable. The relation between tumor thickness and PDT failure is unclear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare long-term effectiveness of fractionated 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-PDT with prior partial debulking versus surgical excision in nBCC. The effect of tumor thickness on ALA-PDT failure was analyzed. METHODS: 173 primary, histologically proven nBCCs in 151 patients were randomized to fractionated ALA-PDT (n = 85) or surgical excision (n = 88). Two PDT illuminations were performed with a 1-hour interval. Follow-up was at least 5 years posttreatment. Clinical recurrences were confirmed histologically. RESULTS: A total of 171 nBCCs were treated and had a median follow-up of 67 months (range 0-106). At 60 months, 23 tumors had recurred in the ALA-PDT group and 2 tumors in the surgical excision group. Cumulative recurrence probabilities 5 years posttreatment were 30.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.5%-42.6%) for ALA-PDT and 2.3% (95% CI 0.6%-8.8%) for surgical excision (P < .0001). Two tumors in the ALA-PDT group recurred at 72 and 91 months posttreatment. Cumulative probability of recurrence-free survival post-PDT was 65.0% (95% CI 51%-76%) for nBCC measuring greater than 0.7 mm in thickness and 94.4% (95% CI 67%-99%, P = .018) for tumors less than or equal to 0.7 mm. LIMITATIONS: Tumor thickness on punch biopsy specimen might differ from the total lesion thickness. CONCLUSIONS: In nBCC, 5-year cumulative probability of recurrence after surgical excision is lower than after fractionated ALA-PDT with prior debulking. Although surgical excision remains the gold standard of treatment, PDT might be an alternative for inoperable patients with thin (≤0.7 mm) nBCC.

Clinical and histological prognostic factors for local recurrence and metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: analysis of a defined population.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) can recur locally and can metastasize. The objective of this study was to identify clinical and histopathological prognostic factors for local recurrence and metastasis in cSCCs at any body site. Clinical and histopathological data were collected from 224 patients with cSCC. During the median follow-up period of 43 months (range 0-73 months) the cumulative probabilities of recurrence-free survival at 1, 2 and 4 years post-treatment were 98.0%, 96.9% and 94.7%, respectively, and for metastasis-free survival 98.1%, 97.0% and 95.9%, respectively. In univariate survival analyses, predictors for local recurrence were every millimetre increase in tumour diameter and in tumour thickness. Predictors for metastasis this was location on the ear, invasion of deeper structures, no surgical treatment, poor differentiation, every millimetre increase in tumour diameter and in tumour thickness. In multivariate survival analysis, every millimetre increase in both tumour diameter and tumour thickness were independent predictors for local recurrence as well as for metastasis and, therefore, it is important to report these in patients' files. Defining prognostic valuables is important for diagnostic work-up, treatment and follow-up for an individual patient.

Structural lung changes, lung function, and non-invasive inflammatory markers in cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterized by chronic airway inflammation and recurrent infections, resulting in (ir)reversible structural lung changes and a progressive decline in lung function. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between non-invasive inflammatory markers (IM) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC), lung function indices and structural lung changes, visualized by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans in CF. In 34 CF patients, lung function indices (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity [FVC], residual volume, and total lung capacity [TLC]) and non-invasive IM (exhaled nitric oxide, and condensate acidity, nitrate, nitrite, 8-isoprostane, hydrogen peroxide, interferon-gamma) were assessed. HRCT scans were scored in a standardized and validated way, a composite score and component scores were calculated. In general, the correlations between non-invasive IM and structural lung changes, and between IM and lung function were low (correlation coefficients <0.40). Patients with positive sputum Pseudomonas cultures had higher EBC nitrite levels and higher parenchymal HRCT subscores than patients with Pseudomonas-negative cultures (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression models demonstrated that FVC was significantly predicted by hydrogen peroxide in EBC, and the scores of bronchiectasis and mosaic perfusion (Pearson correlation coefficient R = 0.78, p < 0.001). TLC was significantly predicted by 8-isoprostane, nitrate, hydrogen peroxide in EBC, and the mucous plugging subscore (R = 0.92, p < 0.01). Static and dynamic lung function indices in this CF group were predicted by the combination of non-invasive IM in EBC and structural lung changes on HRCT imaging. Future longitudinal studies should reveal whether non-invasive monitoring of airway inflammation in CF adds to better follow-up of patients.

Five-Year Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Effectiveness of Photodynamic Therapy, Topical Imiquimod, and Topical 5-Fluorouracil in Patients with Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma.

For the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma, a prospective, noninferiority, randomized controlled multicenter trial with 601 patients showed that 5% imiquimod cream was superior and 5-fluorouracil cream not inferior to methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT) at 1 and 3 years after treatment. No definite conclusion could be drawn regarding the superiority of imiquimod over 5-fluorouracil. We now present the 5-year follow-up results according to the intention-to-treat analysis. Five years after treatment, the probability of tumor-free survival was 62.7% for methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (95% confidence interval [CI] = 55.3-69.2), 80.5% for imiquimod (95% CI = 74.0-85.6), and 70.0% for 5-fluorouracil (95% CI = 62.9-76.0). The hazard ratio for treatment failure of imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil were 0.48 (95% CI = 0.32-0.71, P < 0.001) and 0.74 (95% CI = 0.53-1.05, P = 0.09), respectively, when compared with methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy. Compared with 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod showed a hazard ratio of 0.65 (95% CI 0.43-0.98, P = 0.04). In conclusion, 5 years after treatment, the results of this trial show that 5% imiquimod cream is superior to both methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy and 5-fluorouracil cream in terms of efficacy for superficial basal cell carcinoma. We therefore consider 5% imiquimod cream as the first choice for noninvasive treatment in most primary superficial basal cell carcinomas.

Three-Year Follow-Up Results of Photodynamic Therapy vs. Imiquimod vs. Fluorouracil for Treatment of Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Single-Blind, Noninferiority, Randomized Controlled Trial.

A randomized controlled trial including 601 patients previously showed that the effectiveness of imiquimod and fluorouracil cream were not inferior to methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT) in patients with superficial basal cell carcinoma after 1 year of follow-up. We now present the 3-year follow-up results. The probability of tumor-free survival at 3 years post-treatment was 58.0% for MAL-PDT (95% confidence interval [CI] = 47.8-66.9), 79.7% for imiquimod (95% CI = 71.6-85.7), and 68.2% for fluorouracil (95% CI = 58.1-76.3). The hazard ratio for treatment failure comparing imiquimod with MAL-PDT was 0.50 (95% CI = 0.33-0.76, P = 0.001). Comparison of fluorouracil with MAL-PDT and fluorouracil with imiquimod showed hazard ratios of 0.73 (95% CI = 0.51-1.05, P = 0.092) and 0.68 (95% CI = 0.44-1.06, P = 0.091), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed a higher probability of treatment success for imiquimod versus MAL-PDT in all subgroups with the exception of elderly patients with superficial basal cell carcinoma on the lower extremities. In this subgroup, the risk difference in tumor-free survival was 57.6% in favor of MAL-PDT. In conclusion, according to results at 3 years post-treatment, imiquimod is superior and fluorouracil not inferior to MAL-PDT in treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma.

Surgical excision versus Mohs' micrographic surgery for basal cell carcinoma of the face: A randomised clinical trial with 10 year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of cancer among Caucasians and its incidence continues to rise. Surgical excision (SE) is considered standard treatment, though randomised trials with long-term follow-up are rare. We now report the long-term results of a randomised trial comparing surgical excision with Mohs' micrographic surgery (MMS) for facial BCC. METHODS: 408 facial, high risk (diameter at least 1cm, H-zone location or aggressive histological subtype) primary BCCs (pBCCs) and 204 facial recurrent BCCs (rBCCs) were randomly allocated to treatment with either SE or MMS between 5th October 1999 and 27th February 2002. The primary outcome was recurrence of carcinoma. A modified intention to treat analysis was performed. FINDINGS: For primary BCC, the 10-year cumulative probabilities of recurrence were 4.4% after MMS and 12.2% after SE (Log-rank test χ(2) 2.704, p=0.100). For recurrent BCC, cumulative 10-year recurrence probabilities were 3.9% and 13.5% for MMS and SE, respectively (Log-rank χ(2) 5.166, p=0.023). A substantial proportion of recurrences occurred after more than 5years post-treatment: 56% for pBCC and 14% for rBCC. INTERPRETATION: Fewer recurrences occurred after treatment of high risk facial BCC with MMS compared to treatment with SE. The proportion of recurrences occurring more than 5years post-treatment was especially high for pBCC, stressing the need for long-term follow-up in patients with high risk facial pBCC.