Skin Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Cancer, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Methyl aminolevulinate: actinic keratoses and Bowen's disease.

Morton CA

Forth Valley Dermatology Centre, Stirling Royal Infirmary, Stirling FK8 2AU, United Kingdom. colin.morton@fvah.scot.nhs.uk

Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) using the methyl ester of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (MAL) is an effective therapy for actinic keratoses and Bowen's disease. Thin and moderate thickness facial actinic keratoses respond best, with clearance rates equivalent or superior (depending on protocol) to current therapy, and with notably superior cosmetic outcome. Patients with areas of field cancerization and organ transplant recipients may particularly benefit from topical MA-PDT. The response rate of Bowen's disease to MAL-PDT is also at least equivalent to cryotherapy and 5-fluorouracil, again with superior cosmesis. Patients with large or multiple lesions of Bowen's disease or those in whom standard therapy, including surgery, is relatively contraindicated may particularly benefit from PDT.

Published 27 November 2006 in Dermatol Clin, 25(1): 81-7.
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