Published in:
Open Access 01-03-2018 | Brief Report
Daylight Photodynamic Therapy Versus 5-Fluorouracil for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis: A Case Series
Published in: Dermatology and Therapy | Issue 1/2018
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Introduction
The incidence of actinic keratosis (AK) continues to increase worldwide. Currently available options for the treatment of AK include topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and daylight-mediated photodynamic therapy (DL-PDT). This split-face pilot study compared DL-PDT using 16% methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) cream versus 5-FU cream in patients with AK on the face/scalp.
Methods
Five male subjects (mean age 70 years) with grade I–III AK on the face/scalp were enrolled. Subjects received a single session of DL-PDT with 16% MAL on one side and topical 5% 5-FU for 21 days on the other side. Evaluations of efficacy, safety, and subject satisfaction were conducted 48 h, 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment.
Results
At 3 months, the lesion complete response rate was 80% and 93% for DL-PDT and 5-FU, respectively. Lesion partial response was 20% and 7%, respectively. Fewer treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were reported with DL-PDT than with 5-FU, and they resolved spontaneously in 5–7 and 27–30 days, respectively. Subjects preferred DL-PDT because of the lower incidence of AEs and rapid recovery compared with 5-FU.
Conclusion
DL-PDT is a convenient alternative to 5-FU with good efficacy and a favorable safety profile, allowing patients to effectively treat their AK without compromising their social life.
Funding
Galderma.