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Current Cancer Therapy Reviews

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1573-3947
ISSN (Online): 1875-6301

Review Article

Photodynamic Therapy: The Light Treatment for Cutaneous Non- Melanoma Malignancies

Author(s): Edward Yu

Volume 12, Issue 2, 2016

Page: [124 - 137] Pages: 14

DOI: 10.2174/1573394712666160919104726

Price: $65

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Abstract

Photodynamic therapy has many treatment applications for malignant and premalignant lesions of the skin. The basic principle involves application of a photosensitizer followed by exposure of the target tissues to light. 5-aminolevulinic acid is a natural occurring compound in the heme biosynthesis pathway. Its metabolite protoporphyrin IX is a photosensitizer that has the ability to selectively damage premalignant, malignant, and certain abnormal tissues, rendering its wide application for use in actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, and basal cell carcinoma. Adequate lesion preparation is critical for successful treatment. Ongoing research on the clinical use of photodynamic therapy, its potential impact in oncological patient management and on public health and cost is continuously evolving. The perfection of this light therapy on patient treatment awaits results of future clinical trials.

Keywords: Non-melanoma, photodynamic therapy, photosensitizers, skin cancer, treatment.

Graphical Abstract

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