AAD
Author: Willhemenia Loremipsum Special session: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet Category: Lorem ipsum View all results

Please login or create an account. If you do not have access to this content, you will be shown a 30 second preview and licensing options.

  • Presentation

Photodynamic Therapy Then and Now: Field Cancerization, Implementation in Your Medical and Cosmetic Practice

Description

The session discussed the evolution and application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in medical and cosmetic practice, focusing on its role in managing skin issues like actinic keratosis. Originating from early experiments in Germany, PDT has developed into a three-step process involving a photosensitizer, a light source, and oxygen, crucial for targeting damaged cells. The speaker emphasized that skin aging is often accompanied by textual and pigmentary changes, necessitating effective treatment strategies, including PDT, to manage these developments. With PDT's approval for treating actinic keratosis by the FDA, its value as a preventive measure against potential skin cancer was highlighted. The speaker shared practical protocols for implementation, stressing the importance of patient education regarding treatment reactions and expected outcomes. Emphasis was placed on the need for primary prevention such as sun protection and understanding changes in skin conditions over time. Furthermore, advancements in technology and future developments in PDT were discussed, including potential new photosensitizers and treatment methodologies aimed at enhancing efficacy. Overall, the presentation underscored PDT's relevance and adaptability in dermatological practices.

View more

Conclusions

  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective treatment for actinic keratosis (AK) and selected non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC).
  • PDT has demonstrated safety and efficacy with various photosensitizers and light sources for treating skin conditions like acne vulgaris.
  • Actinic keratosis can lead to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with a progression risk identified between 0.025% and 16%.
  • Recurrent actinic keratosis occurs, and regular follow-ups are crucial for high-risk populations.
  • The disease burden of non-melanoma skin cancer has significantly increased, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and active treatment strategies.
  • Primary prevention through sun protection is vital to manage actinic damage effectively.
  • PDT can improve skin texture, roughness, pigmentation, and overall skin quality, especially when combined with other treatments.
  • Simultaneous PDT has been shown to be painless and effective in comparison to conventional methods, making it a viable option for patients.
  • Konnikov N, et al. U001 - Field Cancerization Therapies: Medical Dermatology and Beyond.
  • Landis et al. (2014) Derm. Online J. 20(4).
  • Hu et al. BMC Cancer. 2022;22:836. doi:10.1186/s12885-022-09940-3.
  • Criscione VD, et al. Cancer. 2009;115:2523-2530.
  • Cockerell CJ. Br J Dermatol. 2003;149:34-36.
  • Touma D, Yaar M, Konnikov N, Whitehead ,Gilchrest B. Evaluation of short incubation photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis and photodamage. Arch Dermatol. 2004 Jan;140(1):33-40.
  • Abrouk M, Dong J, Waibel JS. Lasers Surg Med. 2021;1-4. doi:10.1002/med.21935. -- Evaluation of short incubation photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis and photodamage.