A follow-up study of recurrence and cosmesis in completely responding superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas treated with methyl 5-aminolaevulinate-based photodynamic therapy alone and with prior curettage

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2001.04407.x
• Publication Date: 2010-07-21T14:12:43Z
• Authors: A.M. Soler; T. Warloe; A. Berner; K.E. Giercksky
• Keywords: Cosmesis; Curettage; Cure rate

Background Methyl 5‐aminolaevulinate (mALA) is an ester derivative of 5‐aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) with increased lipophilicity compared ALA. Objectives To assess long‐term cure rate, cosmesis, recurrence rate and extent fibrosis after mALA‐based photodynamic therapy (PDT) superficial nodular basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) showing early complete response to treatment. Methods Of 350 BCCs treated, 310 responded completely. These were in 59 patients who followed for 2–4 years (mean 35 months) mALA‐PDT. Nodular tumours curetted before PDT, mALA 160 mg g−1 was applied all 24 h or 3 illumination from a broad‐band halogen light source doses 50 200 J cm−2. Fibrosis assessed histologically 23 biopsies. Results The overall BCCs, including non‐responders recurrences 79%. lesions, 277 (89%) remained response, the cosmetic outcome excellent good 272 completely responding lesions (98%). Histological examination showed dermal one Conclusions We conclude that PDT prior curettage promising new method treatment BCC.