PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY OF SUPERFICIAL BASAL-CELL CARCINOMAS USING EXOGENOUS 5-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID AND 514-NM LIGHT

Objective The evaluation of the effectiveness of topical photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and green laser light on su perficial basal cell carcinomas. Background Topical photodynamic thera py with exogenous 5-ALA and visible or red laser light has been used u p to now for the treatment of superficial non-melanoma skin tumors. Pa tients and methods Four patients with nine superficial carcinomas part icipated in this study. The tumors were irradiated with green laser li ght 5 h after the application of cold cream with 20% aminolevulinic ac id under occlusive dressing. Results All nine lesions were resolved wi th a single treatment and clinical evidence of recurrence was observed in one tumor 1 year after the therapy. Conclusion Topical photodynami c therapy with exogenous 5-ALA and preen laser light is very effective for superficial basal cell carcinomas. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.