Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the activation of a photosensitizing drug, which
preferentially localizes to diseased skin, by irradiation with light to cause selective cytotoxic
damage. Since its discovery in the early 20th century and the development of topical
photosensitizers 2 decades ago, PDT is increasingly being used in dermatology for a wide
range of neoplastic, inflammatory, and infectious cutaneous conditions. Topical 5-aminolevulinic
acid and methyl aminolevulinic acid, the most commonly used agents in PDT, have
received Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of actinic keratoses, and
many second-generation photosensitizers are under investigation. Compared with conventional
therapies, PDT has the advantage of being noninvasive and capable of field treatment.
It is also associated with quicker recovery periods and excellent cosmetic results.
Because of these benefits, PDT is being evaluated as a potential treatment option for many
dermatologic conditions and has been shown to be effective for certain nonmelanoma skin
cancers. Although research is still limited, PDT might also have a therapeutic benefit for
cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, acne, psoriasis, leishmaniasis, and warts, among others. This
article is a review of the clinical applications of PDT in dermatology and summarizes the
current evidence in literature describing its efficacy, safety, and cosmetic outcome.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 30:199-209 Published by Elsevier Inc.Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the activation of a photosensitizing drug, which
preferentially localizes to diseased skin, by irradiation with light to cause selective cytotoxic
damage. Since its discovery in the early 20th century and the development of topical
photosensitizers 2 decades ago, PDT is increasingly being used in dermatology for a wide
range of neoplastic, inflammatory, and infectious cutaneous conditions. Topical 5-aminolevulinic
acid and methyl aminolevulinic acid, the most commonly used agents in PDT, have
received Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of actinic keratoses, and
many second-generation photosensitizers are under investigation. Compared with conventional
therapies, PDT has the advantage of being noninvasive and capable of field treatment.
It is also associated with quicker recovery periods and excellent cosmetic results.
Because of these benefits, PDT is being evaluated as a potential treatment option for many
dermatologic conditions and has been shown to be effective for certain nonmelanoma skin
cancers. Although research is still limited, PDT might also have a therapeutic benefit for
cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, acne, psoriasis, leishmaniasis, and warts, among others. This
article is a review of the clinical applications of PDT in dermatology and summarizes the
current evidence in literature describing its efficacy, safety, and cosmetic outcome.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 30:199-209 Published by Elsevier Inc.