Efficacy of topical ALA-PDT combined with excision in the treatment of skin malignant tumor

SummaryBackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is a successful treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers in clinical practice. In China, more and more doctors use PDT to cure the patients with skin cancer, especially in the elder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical PDT using aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) combined with excision in the treatment of skin malignant tumor and its role in surgical improvements.MethodsA total of 58 cases including 32 cases of BCC, 13 cases of Bowen's disease, 8 cases of Paget's disease and 5 cases of SCC were included in this study. All cases were treated with topical ALA-PDT after surgery. Each tumor region was irradiated with 120 J/cm2 using a 635-nm laser for 15 min. A total of 3 times of assisted ALA-PDT was applied after surgery.ResultsThere was no recurrence in 6 months after treatment. Only 5 cases of Paget's disease and 2 cases of SCC experienced disease recurrence in 1 year. All patients were able to complete the treatment protocol, with well cosmetic results and no moderate adverse reactions.ConclusionsAs an assistive therapy after tumor resection, ALA-PDT can reduce the excision range of the tumor lesions. However, its role in the reduction of recurrence rate remains to be further investigated.