The use of photodynamic therapy in actinic keratosis in comparison to cryotherapy and chemical peels

Abstract

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an effective treatment of actinic keratosis. 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) and Methyl Aminolevulinate (MAL) are commonly applied. However, there is a need to establish the quality of life after PDT treatment and potential conversion to squamous cell carcinomas. The objectives of the review were to compare the efficiency of PDT, the long-term reoccurrence, and cosmesis in actinic keratosis patients. Relevant studies from the year 2000 onwards involving PDT in comparison to Cryotherapy (CT) and chemical peels were collated using a combination of terms and keywords. Conflicting results were obtained when analysing PDT in comparison to CT. A conclusion could not be deducted as to whether PDT was more, less, or equivalently effective to CT However, results obtained indicated that PDT was of greater benefit in comparison to chemical peels. Additionally, in all the studies, a conclusion was made that PDT was far superior in cosmesis in comparison to conventional therapies.