Comparison of Grenz ray and photodynamic therapy for field treatment of actinic keratoses on the forearm: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Actinic Keratosis is an intraepidermal neoplasm that represents the second most common reason for dermatologic visits in the United States. Sustained clearance with existing therapies is highly variable. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of combination and monotherapy with photodynamic therapy (PDT), grenz ray therapy, and PDT with microneedling (microchannel skin system) for actinic damage of the dorsal forearms and hands. METHODS: Full ethics approval was obtained through a Human Subjects Committee. Four patients with diffuse actinic field damage on their forearms and hands were recruited for the study. The dorsal forearm and hand from the elbow to the metacarpophalangeal joint were divided into four equal sections. Section 1 was treated with PDT. Section 2 was treated with grenz ray. Section 3 was treated with PDT plus microneedling. Section 4 was treated with grenz ray and PDT with microneedling. Lesion counts were recorded with transparent grids, photographed and evaluated by the same investigator at baseline, 1, 2, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: At month 6 post treatment, lesion counts, as a per cent reduction from baseline, were 91.7% in section 1 (PDT); 97.3% in section 2 (grenz ray); 92.9% in section 3 (PDT + microneedle); and 93.9% in section 4 (grenz ray + PDT + microneedle). CONCLUSION: The greatest reduction occurred in the grenz ray monotherapy section and the second greatest reduction in the grenz ray, PDT, microneedling section. Further research on the efficacy of grenz ray therapy for field treatment of actinic keratosis of the forearms and hands is needed.

Actinic keratosis: where do we stand and where is the future going to take us?

Introduction: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a chronic disease which is mainly located across areas of sun-exposed skin. Clinical and subclinical lesions coexist across a large area resulting in a field cancerization. As these lesions have the potential to transform into invasive squamous cell carcinoma (iSCC), treatment is crucial. With global prevalence increasing, AK is expected to be the most common in situ carcinoma of the skin.Areas covered: In this article, we cover the established algorithm of treating AK and give an insight into the drugs under development. There are six compounds under development covering different treatment angles, from Sinecatechin a Polyphenon E which targets the link between HPV infection and development of AK, over Tirbanibulin which targets the SRC proto-oncogene and fast proliferating cells, to Tuvatexib a small-molecule dual VDAC/HK2 modulator that has shown that it can compete with the established therapies.Expert opinion: These new treatment options are moving us further toward a more individually tailored treatment for each patient considering his abilities, the size and location of his lesions but also the genetic bases as well as individual risk of transforming into a iSCC and possibly other factors contributing to each patients individual AK lesions.

The more the better? An appraisal of combination therapies for actinic keratosis.

Actinic keratoses (AK) are common precancerous lesions of the skin. Numerous interventions exist for the treatment of AK, including lesion- and field-directed approaches. In daily practice, different treatment modalities are often combined to maximize clearance rates. However, whether a combination therapy is preferable to monotherapy in terms of efficacy and safety has been subject of intense debate. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the efficacy and safety of local combination therapies for the treatment of patients with AK. Combination approaches of cryosurgery followed by photodynamic therapy (PDT), laser-assisted PDT, PDT in combination with topical interventions and microneedling-assisted PDT have shown slightly better efficacy results with similar tolerability compared to the respective monotherapy. However, the individual usage of combination therapies should be checked on a case-by-case basis and take into account individual patient- and lesion-specific aspects as more resources are needed and because the individual monotherapies are already highly effective.

Prise en charge thérapeutique des kératoses actiniques: Treatment of actinic keratoses.

Dermatologists have many therapeutic options for the management of actinic keratoses (AK), in order to treat individual lesions or wider areas. Field cancerization is an area of sun-damaged skin, where visible and subclinical lesions co-exist, and is prone to the development of further AK lesions and sun-related skin cancers (SC). Treatments available are instrumental or medical. Resistance to treatment or atypical symptoms must lead to a biopsy for histological exam. Cryotherapy is the most frequently used method to destroy small or isolated AK, whereas photodynamic therapy (PDT), 5-fluoro-uracil (5-FU), imiquimod, ingenol mebutate and diclofenac are required for large, multiple lesions, and for the treatment of field cancerization. Side-effects of these therapies are essentially local, including pain, irritation, erythema, edema and scars. There is no randomized comparative study reviewing all these treatments, therefore physicians must also consider clinical characteristics, patient's compliance, side-effects and cost when treating AK. Medicoeconomic data of these treatments have been analyzed in several countries, and annual costs are estimated between 250 € and 2 000 €, with an uncertain cost-effective relation. Finally, beyond treatment of AK lesions, patients with AK are at high risk of developing SC, and must therefore have regular full-body examination, in order to be detected and treated precociously. © 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. Cet article fait partie du numéro supplément Kératoses actiniques : comprendre et traiter réalisé avec le soutien institutionnel de Galderma International.

Actualités sur la prise en charge des kératoses actiniques chez les patients transplantés d'organes: Management of actinic keratoses in organ transplant recipients: an update.

Transplant recipients are at high risk of developing actinic keratosis (AK) and skin cancer. For this reason, initiating treatment at an early stage is crucial. Topical and systemic therapeutic options for AK have widely been described in studies of immunocompetent patients. However, little is known about AK management in organ transplant recipients (OTR). Photodynamic therapy (PDT), along with imiquimod, topical NSAIDs and topical 5-fluorouracil have been used on ORT patients in small non randomized studies. Although these studies seem to suggest that PDT offers best results, solid evidence is lacking. Nicotinamide and oral retinoids have also been described as reasonably effective preventive treatments in ORT patients. Management of immunosuppressive drugs is also considered as a key point for reducing the number of AK in ORT patients; an early switch for m-tor inhibitors has been shown to be protective while azathioprine, ciclosporin and tacrolimus have been shown to heighten the risk of developing AKs and skin cancer in this population. © 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. Cet article fait partie du numéro supplément Kératoses actiniques : comprendre et traiter réalisé avec le soutien institutionnel de Galderma International.

Local interventions for actinic keratosis in organ transplant recipients: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Actinic keratosis (AK) in organ transplant recipients (OTRs) has a high risk of progressing to invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Thus, early and consequent treatment of AKs is warranted in OTRs. OBJECTIVES: To summarize the current evidence for nonsystemic treatments of AKs in OTRs. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and hand-searched pertinent trial registers up to 22 August 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating nonsystemic interventions for AKs in OTRs were included. The risk of bias was estimated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. RESULTS: Of 663 records initially identified, eight RCTs with 242 OTRs were included in a qualitative synthesis. Most studies evaluated methyl aminolaevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT), followed by ablative fractional laser (AFXL) and diclofenac sodium 3% in hyaluronic acid, imiquimod 5% cream and 5-fluorouracil 5% cream (5-FU). MAL-PDT showed the highest rates of participant complete clearance (40-76·4%), followed by imiquimod (27·5-62·1%), diclofenac (41%) and 5-FU (11%). Similar results were observed for lesion-specific clearance rates. Treatment with AFXL alone revealed low lesion clearance (5-31%). Local skin reactions were most intense in participants treated with a combination of AFXL and daylight MAL-PDT. There were no therapy-related transplant rejections or worsening of graft function in any trial. The overall risk of bias was high. CONCLUSIONS: Limited evidence is available for the treatment of AKs in OTRs. MAL-PDT is currently the best-studied intervention. Lesion-specific regimens may not be sufficient to achieve disease control. Field-directed regimens are preferable in this high-risk population.

[The perception of care received by patients with actinic keratosis]. / La percepción del proceso asistencial de pacientes con queratosis actínica.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse barriers limiting an integral approach in the care process of patients with actinic keratosis, and to validate a questionnaire of their perception in order to assess this approach. METHOD: A qualitative study (Focus Group) was conducted to assess the perception of the healthcare process of professionals (dermatologists, family doctors, nurses, pharmacists and managers), and patients. A validation study of a new tool was conducted, defining the scope and contents of a questionnaire of perceived quality. Reliability, consistency and validity were analysed after inviting a convenience sample of 225 patients to respond. RESULTS: Underdiagnosis in primary care, a higher variability in resources, and access to the health care circuit, together with gaps in patient information about actinic keratosis, are relevant barriers to achieve comprehensive care in this disease condition. The result of the focus groups advised to elaborate 14 reactive items. A total of 224 patients responded (mean age 71.6, SD 11.1), of which 153 (68%) were men. Two factors were isolated including 12 items (explained variance of 58%). The consistency of this factorial solution was .87, the split-half reliability being .76, with the scores in the factors showing an adequate predictive capacity. CONCLUSIONS: The coordination between levels and to reduce to variability in equipment and clinical decision making in Primary Care are the most prominent barriers. The questionnaire has appropriate metric properties and it explores the information and care by the medical staff and the information and advice provided by the pharmacist.

Two-Step Irradiance Treatment Can Achieve Excellent Pain Control During Red Light 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy for Actinic Keratoses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of two-step irradiance to maintain pain control during red light 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT) for actinic keratoses (AK) and assess factors influencing pain. BACKGROUND: PDT provides excellent clinical and cosmetic results in the treatment AK and early basal cell carcinomas (BCC). Widespread use of PDT is limited, in part, by pain. A two-step irradiance method for PDT has previously been shown to significantly reduce PDT-associated pain during the treatment of BCC, but the ability of this method to limit pain during the treatment of AKs has not been reported. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review to assess the level of pain during AK treatment by red light PDT (n = 99). Natural density filter was used to reduce the irradiance of the light source and initially 10 J/cm2 dose was delivered at 35 mW/cm2 and then, 65 J/cm2 dose was delivered at 70 mW/cm2. Pain level was measured using a 10-point visual analog scale at three points during the procedure. RESULTS: Pain was low to moderate in most patients (mean ± standard error of the mean pain score: 2.35 ± 0.19). Higher pain was seen midprocedure versus at the beginning (p < 0.0001) and at the end (p = 0.003) of PDT. There was no significant difference in pain perception between genders and different treatment areas. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence that red light ALA PDT of AKs is very well tolerated with the two-step irradiance protocol.

De la terapia fotodinámica convencional a la terapia fotodinámica con luz de día en el tratamiento de las queratosis actínicas: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / Switching From Conventional Photodynamic Therapy to Daylight Photodynamic Therapy For Actinic Keratoses: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

La queratosis actínica es la lesión precursora de cáncer cutáneo no-melanoma más frecuente. La terapia fotodinámica convencional se ha empleado eficazmente pero requiere tiempo, infraestructuras y es en ocasiones muy dolorosa. En este contexto surge la terapia fotodinámica con luz de día (TFDLD). Con el objetivo de estudiar las evidencias disponibles que evalúan la eficacia y seguridad de la TFDLD frente a la terapia fotodinámica convencional en el tratamiento de pacientes con queratosis actínica/campo de cancerización, y obtener un estimador global de eficacia, realizamos una revisión sistemática de la literatura y un metaanálisis. Se concluye que la variación en eficacia entre ambas terapias es clínicamente irrelevante (estimador global de la diferencia de tasas de respuesta media: -3,69%, IC 95%: -6,54 a -0,84). Con TFDLD el dolor referido es menor (p < 0,001), los efectos adversos locales y leves (el 79% no refiere molestias), los resultados cosméticos buenos-excelentes (>90% de los casos) y la satisfacción del paciente mayor (p < 0,001) (AU)

Actinic keratosis is a precursor lesion to the most common nonmelanoma skin cancer. Conventional photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been shown to be effective, but the procedure is time-consuming, can be very painful, and requires infrastructure. These shortcomings led to the emergence of daylight PDT. To obtain a global estimate of efficacy, we undertook a systematic literature review and performed a meta-analysis of the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of daylight PDT as compared to conventional PDT in the treatment of actinic keratosis and/or field cancerization. The conclusion is that the difference in efficacy is clinically negligible (global estimate of the mean response rate difference, -3.69%; 95% CI, -6.54% to -0.84%). The adverse effects of daylight PDT are mild and localized (79% of patients report no discomfort), and patients report less pain (P < .001). Daylight PDT gives good to excellent cosmetic results in more than 90% of patients, and patient satisfaction is greater (P < .001) (AU)

Laser-Assisted Photodynamic Therapy: Two Novel Protocols for Enhanced Treatment Results.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a topical photosensitizing agent which is activated by a light source to cause destruction of specific cells. Commonly used for the treatment of actinic keratoses and photodamage, PDT can also be used for other conditions including acne and sebaceous hyperplasia. Here we report our experience with two treatment protocols. The first protocol utilizes laser assisted delivery of topical 5-aminolevulinic acid for enhanced efficacy of blue light photodynamic therapy in the treatment of actinic keratoses and photodamage. The second protocol utilizes red light photodynamic therapy followed by pulsed dye laser to effectively target sebaceous glands in patients with extensive sebaceous hyperplasia.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(4):329-331.

Efficacy of iontophoresis-assisted ablative fractional laser photodynamic therapy with short incubation time for the treatment of actinic keratosis: 12-month follow-up results of a prospective, randomised, comparative trial.

BACKGROUND: Iontophoresis is a transdermal drug-delivery technique that enhances the transport of ionic species across membranes and may have significant benefit for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) by ablative fractional laser-primed photodynamic therapy (AFL-PDT). The aims of this study were to compare the efficacy, recurrence rate, cosmetic outcome and safety of iontophoresis-assisted AFL-PDT with 2h of incubation vs. those of conventional AFL-PDT with 2- and 3-h incubation in patients with facial and scalp AK. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to iontophoresis-assisted AFL-PDT with a 2-h incubation time (group A) and conventional AFL-PDT with a 2-h (group B) and 3-h (group C) incubation time. All patients underwent AFL-PDT, and group A patients were assigned to treatment with iontophoresis after methyl-aminolevulinate (MAL) application. After 2 or 3h, MAL-applied lesions were irradiated using a red light. Patients were followed up at 1-week, 3 months and 12 months after treatment. Efficacy, cosmetic outcomes and adverse events were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 41 patients (160 AK lesions) completed the study and were evaluated. Efficacy was significantly higher in Group A (88.7%) than in Group B (73.2%); the efficacy of groups A and C (92.2%) at 3 months follow-up was comparable. The recurrence rates were not significantly different between the groups at 12 months (P=0.841). The three groups did not differ in terms of cosmetic outcomes and safety. CONCLUSIONS: Iontophoresis-assisted AFL-PDT showed higher efficacy than AFL-PDT with short incubation time. Iontophoresis may effectively reduce the incubation time in AFL-PDT.

Actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma of the elderly / Kératose actinique et carcinomes épidermoïdes du sujet âgé

Actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma in the elderly. The increase in life expectancy and the change in the habits of the population with respect to UV exposure have led to an increase in the incidence of actinic keratosis (AK) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). There is no specific recommendation for the "frail" elderly, but they would not differ much from the recommendations of the younger subjects. AK are common: 1 in 3 men and 1 in 5 women after 70 years. In the absence of treatment, the AK can evolve towards a SCC, justifying the interest of a systematic and early management of the AK by cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), dynamic phototherapy, cream containing 5-fluorouracil (5(FU), imiquimod or ingenuous mebutate. Incidence of SCC is also important in the elderly and especially in mans. It can be localized on skin or mucosa. There are forms of SCC in situ or Bowen disease, cutaneous or mucosal, accessible to cryotherapy, 5-FU, imiquimod or dynamic phototherapy as an alternative to surgery. The SCC presents a mainly local evolutionary risk, with involvement of adjacent noble organs, but also regional, with significant risk of lymph node metastases, and visceral (lungs, liver in particular). The treatment must be supervised by a multidisciplinary team. If the patient has cognitive disorders, the presence of the "person of trust" is possible. At best the presence of a geriatrician or onco-geriatrician is recommended. Most often active treatment will be considered and surgical excision is the standard treatment. If general anesthesia is required, the limitation may be at this time of management because of significant co-morbidities. For inoperable SCC radiotherapy and radiochemotherapy are sometimes proposed. Metastatic SCC is complex in elderly patients because chemotherapy is poorly tolerated.

Kératose actinique et carcinomes épidermoïdes du sujet âgé. L'augmentation de l'espérance de vie et la modification des habitudes de la population vis-à-vis de l'exposition aux rayons ultraviolets ont conduit à l'augmentation d'incidence des kératoses actiniques et des carcinomes épidermoïdes cutanés. Il n'existe pas de recommandation spécifique pour le sujet très âgé « fragile ¼ mais elles ne différeraient pas beaucoup des recommandations concertant les sujets plus jeunes. Les kératoses actiniques sont fréquentes : 1 homme sur 3 et 1 femme sur 5 après 70 ans. En l'absence de traitement, les kératoses actiniques peuvent évoluer vers un carcinome épidermoïde, justifiant l'intérêt d'une prise en charge systématique et précoce des kératoses actiniques par cryothérapie (azote liquide), photothérapie dynamique, crème à base de 5-fluoro-uracile (5-FU), imiquimod ou mébutate d'ingénol. Le carcinome épidermoïde cutané est à risque de métastase, son incidence est également importante chez le sujet âgé et surtout chez l'homme. Il peut être de localisation cutanée ou muqueuse. Il existe des formes de carcinome épidermoïde in situ ou maladie de Bowen cutanée ou muqueuse accessibles à la cryothérapie, au 5-FU, à l'imiquimod ou à la photothérapie dynamique en alternative à la chirurgie. Le carcinome épidermoïde a un risque évolutif principalement local, avec atteinte des organes nobles adjacents, mais également régional, avec un risque non négligeable de métastases ganglionnaires et viscérales (poumons, foie en particulier). La prise en charge doit être encadrée par une réunion de concertation pluridisciplinaire, en présence éventuellement de la personne de confiance si le patient a des troubles cognitifs ; au mieux, la présence d'un gériatre ou oncogériatre est recommandée lors de cette réunion. Le plus souvent, un traitement actif est envisagé, et l'exérèse chirurgicale est le traitement de référence. Si une anesthésie générale est requise, des comorbidités importantes peuvent être une limitation à un geste chirurgical. Pour les carcinomes épidermoïdes inopérables, la radiothérapie externe, la curiethérapie et la radiochimiothérapie sont parfois proposées. Les carcinomes épidermoïdes métastatiques sont de traitement complexe chez le sujet âgé car les chimiothérapies sont mal supportées.

Three-Dimensional Rejuvenation of the Décolletage.

BACKGROUND: Photodamaged skin of the chest is characterized by skin laxity, lines/wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, erythema, tactile roughness, atrophy, and telangiectasias. METHODS: A MEDLINE search was performed on combination treatments in chest rejuvenation, and the results are summarized. Practical applications for these combinations of procedures are discussed. RESULTS: Reports of injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), hyaluronic acid (HA), and chemical peels, along with lasers and light therapies such as intense pulsed light (IPL), vascular lasers, photodynamic therapy (PDT), nonablative fractionated lasers (NAFLs), ablative fractionated lasers (AFLs), and microfocused ultrasound (MFU) have been reported for chest rejuvenation. Few articles were discovered pertaining to combination therapy. The authors review their approaches to combination therapy. CONCLUSION: Multiple options exist alone or in combination for minimally invasive rejuvenation of the skin of the chest including PLLA, HA, chemical peels, IPL, vascular lasers, PDT, NAFL, AFL, and MFU. Little was found in the literature pertaining to the safety and efficacy of combining such procedures and devices. The authors' experience in clinical practice is that combination, same day chest rejuvenation techniques can be performed safely. A combination approach often produces the most optimal outcome for the patient seeking chest rejuvenation.

A double-blind randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of daylight photodynamic therapy with methyl-aminolevulinate vs. Placebo and daylight in patients with facial photodamage / Ensayo clínico aleatorio controlado, doble ciego para valorar la eficacia de la terapia fotodinámica con luz de día con metilaminolevulinato frente a placebo y luz de día en pacientes con fotodaño facial

BACKGROUND: Daylight PDT (dPDT) is easy to use and does not require light equipment. Such therapy has been exhaustively proved to be successful in the treatment of actinic keratosis, but its use in skin photodamage remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dPDT's efficacy in skin facial photodamage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a parallel-group double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Sixty participants with symmetric facial photodamage were allocated to topical methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) and daylight vs. matching placebo and daylight. Primary outcome was global photodamage improvement/failure 1 month after the third session. Secondary outcomes included: pain evaluation; specific photodamage severity scores; sun irradiance quantification and Skindex-29 scores. Adverse events were also investigated. RESULTS: Primary analysis included all randomized patients. All patients sun-exposed for 120min in 3 sessions. The risk of failure was lower in the MAL-dPDT group than in the placebo plus daylight group (RR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.08-0.41). Mean solar irradiance (W/m2) during the first, second and third sessions was 480.82, 430.07 and 435.84, respectively. Items 5 and 14 of Skindex-29 in the MAL-dPDT group showed statistical significant differences. Two patients in the MAL-dPDT group had serious and non-serious events not directly related to the product. CONCLUSION: dPDT with MAL was un-painful, effective and safe for the treatment of facial photodamage. Herpes simplex prophylaxis should be considered before sessions)

INTRODUCCIÓN: La terapia fotodinámica con luz-día (TFDd) es fácil de usar y no requiere de equipo alguno. Tal terapia ha demostrado ser útil en el tratamiento de las queratosis actínicas, pero su uso en el fotodaño no es claro. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia de la TFDd en el fotodaño facial. Pacientes y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un ensayo clínico doble-ciego controlado con placebo y con asignación aleatoria. Sesenta participantes con fotodaño facial simétrico se asignaron a recibir bien TFD con Metil-Aminolevulinato (MAL) y luz de día o placebo y luz de día. El resultado primario fue la mejoría/fracaso en el fotodaño facial global un mes después de la tercera sesión. Los resultados secundarios incluyeron: dolor; fotodaño específico, irradiancia recibida y la puntuación en el Skindex-29. RESULTADOS: Todos los pacientes se expusieron a la luz de día durante 120 minutos en 3 sesiones. El riesgo de fracaso fue menor en el grupo de TFD con MAL y luz de día que en el grupo placebo (RR:0,18; 95%; IC:0,08 a 0.41). La media de la irradiancia solar (W.m-2) durante la primera, segunda y tercera sesión fue de 480,82, 430,07 y 435,84, respectivamente. Los ítems 5 y 14 del Skindex-29 en el grupo de TFDd con MAL mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Dos pacientes en el mismo grupo presentaron eventos adversos serios y no serios pero estos no tuvieron relación directa con el producto evaluado. CONCLUSIÓN: La TFDd con MAL fue es un tratamiento indoloro, eficaz y seguro para el tratamiento del fotoenvejecimiento facial. La profilaxis del Herpes simple debe ser considerada antes de cada sesión

Photodynamic Therapy for Actinic Keratoses: A Randomized Prospective Non-sponsored Cost-effectiveness Study of Daylight-mediated Treatment Compared with Light-emitting Diode Treatment.

Daylight-mediated photodynamic therapy (DL-PDT) is considered as effective as conventional PDT using artificial light (light-emitting diode (LED)-PDT) for treatment of actinic keratoses (AK). This randomized prospective non-sponsored study assessed the cost-effectiveness of DL-PDT compared with LED-PDT. Seventy patients with 210 AKs were randomized to DL-PDT or LED-PDT groups. Effectiveness was assessed at 6 months. The costs included societal costs and private costs, including the time patients spent in treatment. Results are presented as incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The total costs per patient were significantly lower for DL-PDT (€132) compared with LED-PDT (€170), giving a cost saving of €38 (p = 0.022). The estimated probabilities for patients' complete response were 0.429 for DL-PDT and 0.686 for LED-PDT; a difference in probability of being healed of 0.257. ICER showed a monetary gain of €147 per unit of effectiveness lost. DL-PDT is less costly and less effective than LED-PDT. In terms of cost-effectiveness analysis, DL-PDT provides lower value for money compared with LED-PDT.

Laser-mediated Photodynamic Therapy: An Alternative Treatment for Actinic Keratosis?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with light emitting diode (LED) illumination is a frequently used treatment modality for actinic keratosis (AK) with excellent cosmetic outcome. A major disadvantage, however, is the high pain score. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) illumination has been suggested, but the long-term efficacy of this treatment is unknown. In this split-face study we prospectively treated 61 patients with AK, with both LED-PDT and PDL-PDT. The mean change in the number of lesions between the end of follow-up and start of therapy was -4.25 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) -5.07; -3.43) for LED-PDT and -3.88 (95% CI -4,76; -2.99) for PDL-PDT, with a non-significant difference (p = 0.258) of -0.46 (95% CI -1.28; 0.35). The percentage decrease from baseline in the total number of AK was 55.8% and 47.8%, respectively, at 12-month follow-up. Visual analogue scale pain score was lower after PDL (mean 2.64) compared with LED illumination (mean 6.47). These findings indicate that PDL-PDT is an effective alternative illumination source fo.

Managing actinic keratosis in primary care.

Actinic, or solar, keratosis is caused by chronic ultraviolet-induced damage to the epidermis. In the UK, 15-23% of individuals have actinic keratosis lesions. Risk factors include: advanced age; male gender; cumulative sun exposure or phototherapy; Fitzpatrick skin phototypes I-II; long-term immuno-suppression and genetic syndromes e.g. xeroderma pigmentosum and albinism. Actinic keratoses are regarded by some authorities as premalignant lesions that may transform into invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and by others as in situ SCC that may progress to an invasive stage. The risk of malignant change appears low; up to 0.5% per lesion per year. Up to 20-30% of lesions may spontaneously regress but in the absence of any reliable prognostic clinical indicators regarding malignant potential active treatment is considered appropriate. Actinic keratosis lesions may present as discrete hyperkeratotic papules, cutaneous horns, or more subtle flat lesions on sun-exposed areas of skin. The single most helpful diagnostic sign is an irregularly roughened surface texture: a sandpaper-like feel almost always indicates actinic damage. Dermatoscopy can be helpful in excluding signs of basal cell carcinoma when actinic keratosis is non-keratotic. It is always important to consider the possibility of SCC. The principal indication for referral to secondary care is the possibility of cutaneous malignancy. However, widespread and severe actinic damage in patients who are immunosuppressed is also a reason for referral.

Documento de consenso hispano-portugués para el uso de la terapia fotodinámica con metil aminolevulinato y luz de día en el tratamiento de las queratosis actínicas / Spanish-Portuguese Consensus Statement on Use of Daylight-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy With Methyl Aminolevulinate in the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La terapia fotodinámica con luz de día (TFDLD) es una nueva modalidad de terapia fotodinámica (TFD) que, manteniendo la misma eficacia en queratosis actínicas (QA) grado Iy II que la técnica convencional, disminuye sus efectos adversos y la hace más eficiente. Los condicionantes meteorológicos propios de la España y Portugal hacen necesario el establecimiento de un protocolo adecuado y consensuado por expertos adaptado a los mismos. OBJETIVO: Establecer un protocolo para la TFDLD con metil-aminolevulinato (MAL) para el tratamiento de las QA grado I y II adecuado y consensuado a las características epidemiológicas, meteorológicas y clínicas que se dan en España y Portugal. MÉTODO: Doce dermatólogos de diferentes áreas geográficas de ambos países, con experiencia en el tratamiento de las QA con TFD, se reunieron para elaborar un documento de consenso para la realización de TFDLD con MAL. De la revisión de la bibliografía y de su experiencia se elaboró el procedimiento recomendado para su realización. RESULTADOS: Las recomendaciones adoptadas establecen que los pacientes con QA grado I y II múltiples, especialmente en el contexto de campo de cancerización, son los candidatos a realizar este tratamiento. La TFDLD se puede realizar durante todo el año, siendo limitaciones las temperaturas menores de 10°C o las excesivamente elevadas, así como los días de lluvia, nieve o niebla. El procedimiento es sencillo y requiere la aplicación de un fotoprotector FPS>30 que solo contenga filtros orgánicos, la preparación adecuada de las lesiones, la aplicación del MAL sin oclusión y su activación con la luz del día durante 2h. CONCLUSIÓN: Este documento de consenso supone una guía práctica y detallada para la realización de la TFDLD con MAL en España y Portugal destinada a la consecución de la máxima efectividad con mínimos efectos adversos

INTRODUCTION: Daylight-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new type of PDT that is as effective as conventional PDT in grade 1 and 2 actinic keratosis but with fewer adverse effects, resulting in greater efficiency. The climatic conditions in the Iberian Peninsula require an appropriately adapted consensus protocol. OBJECTIVE: We describe a protocol for the treatment of grade 1 and 2 actinic keratosis with daylight-mediated PDT and methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) adapted to the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Spanish and Portuguese patients and the climatic conditions of both countries. METHODS: Twelve dermatologists from different parts of Spain and Portugal with experience in the treatment of actinic keratosis with PDT convened to draft a consensus statement for daylight-mediated PDT with MAL in these countries. Based on a literature review and their own clinical experience, the group developed a recommended protocol. RESULTS: According to the recommendations adopted, patients with multiple grade 1 and 2 lesions, particularly those at risk of developing cancer, are candidates for this type of therapy. Daylight-mediated PDT can be administered throughout the year, although it is not indicated at temperatures below 10°C or at excessively high temperatures. Likewise, therapy should not be administered when it is raining, snowing, or foggy. The procedure is simple, requiring application of a sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30 based exclusively on organic filters, appropriate preparation of the lesions, application of MAL without occlusion, and activation in daylight for 2hours. CONCLUSION: This consensus statement represents a practical and detailed guideline to achieve maximum effectiveness of daylight-mediated PDT with MAL in Spain and Portugal with minimal adverse effects

Malassezia growth on peritumoral skin after routine methyl-5-aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis and nonmelanoma skin cancer / Crecimiento de Malassezia en Piel Peritumoral Tras Terapia Fotodinámica con Metil-5-aminolevulinato para Queratosis Actínica y Cáncer de Piel No Melanoma

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