ALA PDT for Facial isSCC Shows Complete Histological Clearance in Early Trial
Have you read this article from JDD? A study reports striking short term outcomes after two sessions of 20 percent ALA PDT for biopsy confirmed facial squamous cell carcinoma in situ.
In this study 32 adults received two treatments of topical ALA with blue light spaced about four weeks apart and lesions were excised for histopathology eight weeks after the second treatment. The primary endpoint was complete histological clearance at the end of treatment. According to the report all patients who completed the protocol achieved complete histological clearance and clinical clearance was seen in every case before excision. Clinical responses appeared within weeks for many patients with 40 percent clear by day 49 and the remainder by day 69. Local skin reactions were described as mild with transient erythema and flaking, pain scores were low on average, and a single case of temporary hyperpigmentation was reported. Two adverse events were recorded but were considered unrelated to treatment.
For practicing dermatologists and dermatology healthcare professionals these results highlight ALA PDT as a potentially effective noninvasive option for facial isSCC with favorable cosmetic outcomes in the short term. The findings prompt closer review of patient selection criteria, procedural protocols, and histologic endpoints used in the trial. Access the full JDD article to review detailed methodology, inclusion criteria, and follow up data so you can assess whether further evidence would support adopting ALA PDT as an alternative to surgical excision in your practice.
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