Description
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is becoming an increasingly established technique in dermatology for treatment of a number of malignant and non-malignant conditions. It involves photoactivation of tissue-localised photosensitisers by controlled irradiation, which leads to cell death and tissue damaged by the production of singlet oxygen. A variety of systemic and topically administered photosensitisers may be used, in combination with either incoherent or laser light sources. The majority of experience in dermatology is with topically administered d- aminolaevulinic acid to cutaneous premalignant and neoplastic conditions. The treatment appears to be most efficacious for the management of actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease and superficial basal cell carcinoma, with response rates comparing to established treatments.
