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Review
. 2016 Sep 27;9(9):CD007917.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007917.pub2.

Light therapies for acne

Jelena Barbaric  1 , Rachel Abbott, Pawel Posadzki, Mate Car, Laura H Gunn, Alison M Layton, Azeem Majeed, Josip Car
Affiliations
Review

Light therapies for acne

Jelena Barbaric et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a very common skin problem that presents with blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed spots. It frequently results in physical scarring and may cause psychological distress. The use of oral and topical treatments can be limited in some people due to ineffectiveness, inconvenience, poor tolerability or side-effects. Some studies have suggested promising results for light therapies.

Objectives: To explore the effects of light treatment of different wavelengths for acne.

Search methods: We searched the following databases up to September 2015: the Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS. We searched ISI Web of Science and Dissertation Abstracts International (from inception). We also searched five trials registers, and grey literature sources. We checked the reference lists of studies and reviews and consulted study authors and other experts in the field to identify further references to relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We updated these searches in July 2016 but these results have not yet been incorporated into the review.

Selection criteria: We included RCTs of light for treatment of acne vulgaris, regardless of language or publication status.

Data collection and analysis: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

Main results: We included 71 studies, randomising a total of 4211 participants.Most studies were small (median 31 participants) and included participants with mild to moderate acne of both sexes and with a mean age of 20 to 30 years. Light interventions differed greatly in wavelength, dose, active substances used in photodynamic therapy (PDT), and comparator interventions (most commonly no treatment, placebo, another light intervention, or various topical treatments). Numbers of light sessions varied from one to 112 (most commonly two to four). Frequency of application varied from twice daily to once monthly.Selection and performance bias were unclear in the majority of studies. Detection bias was unclear for participant-assessed outcomes and low for investigator-assessed outcomes in the majority of studies. Attrition and reporting bias were low in over half of the studies and unclear or high in the rest. Two thirds of studies were industry-sponsored; study authors either reported conflict of interest, or such information was not declared, so we judged the risk of bias as unclear.Comparisons of most interventions for our first primary outcome 'Participant's global assessment of improvement' were not possible due to the variation in the interventions and the way the studies' outcomes were measured. We did not combine the effect estimates but rated the quality of the evidence as very low for the comparison of light therapies, including PDT to placebo, no treatment, topical treatment or other comparators for this outcome. One study which included 266 participants with moderate to severe acne showed little or no difference in effectiveness for this outcome between 20% aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-PDT (activated by blue light) versus vehicle plus blue light (risk ratio (RR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72 to 1.04, low-quality evidence). A study (n = 180) of a comparison of ALA-PDT (activated by red light) concentrations showed 20% ALA was no more effective than 15% (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.15) but better than 10% ALA (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.42) and 5% ALA (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.81). The number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) was 6 (95% CI 3 to 19) and 4 (95% CI 2 to 6) for the comparison of 20% ALA with 10% and 5% ALA, respectively.For our second primary outcome 'Investigator-assessed changes in lesion counts', we combined three RCTs, with 360 participants with moderate to severe acne and found methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) PDT (activated by red light) was no different to placebo cream plus red light with regard to change in inflamed lesions (ILs) (mean difference (MD) -2.85, 95% CI -7.51 to 1.81), percentage change in ILs (MD -10.09, 95% CI -20.25 to 0.06), change in non-inflamed lesions (NILs) (MD -2.01, 95% CI -7.07 to 3.05), or in percentage change in NILs (MD -8.09, 95% CI -21.51 to 5.32). We assessed the evidence as moderate quality for these outcomes meaning that there is little or no clinical difference between these two interventions for lesion counts.Studies comparing the effects of other interventions were inconsistent or had small samples and high risk of bias. We performed only narrative synthesis for the results of the remaining trials, due to great variation in many aspects of the studies, poor reporting, and failure to obtain necessary data. Several studies compared yellow light to placebo or no treatment, infrared light to no treatment, gold microparticle suspension to vehicle, and clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide combined with pulsed dye laser to clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide alone. There were also several other studies comparing MAL-PDT to light-only treatment, to adapalene and in combination with long-pulsed dye laser to long-pulsed dye laser alone. None of these showed any clinically significant effects.Our third primary outcome was 'Investigator-assessed severe adverse effects'. Most studies reported adverse effects, but not adequately with scarring reported as absent, and blistering reported only in studies on intense pulsed light, infrared light and photodynamic therapies. We rated the quality of the evidence as very low, meaning we were uncertain of the adverse effects of the light therapies.Although our primary endpoint was long-term outcomes, less than half of the studies performed assessments later than eight weeks after final treatment. Only a few studies assessed outcomes at more than three months after final treatment, and longer-term assessments are mostly not covered in this review.

Authors' conclusions: High-quality evidence on the use of light therapies for people with acne is lacking. There is low certainty of the usefulness of MAL-PDT (red light) or ALA-PDT (blue light) as standard therapies for people with moderate to severe acne.Carefully planned studies, using standardised outcome measures, comparing the effectiveness of common acne treatments with light therapies would be welcomed, together with adherence to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines.

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Conflict of interest statement

Jelena Barbaric: nothing to declare. Rachel Abbott: nothing to declare. Pawel Posadzki: nothing to declare. Mate Car: nothing to declare. Laura H Gunn: nothing to declare. Alison M Layton: "Over the last five years, the following companies have invited advice, supported educational events, provided unrestricted research grants, or I have acted as CI/PI for their clinical trials: Galderma, GlaxoSmithKline, MEDA, LeoPharma, Indentis, Valeant, Dermira, Pfizer, Novartis, Wyeth and L'Oreal.

I have received remuneration from several different pharmaceutical companies in support of the following:

  1. research projects (funding has been provided as unrestricted educational grants for basic science research);

  2. as an honorarium for lecturing at educational meetings (content of talks unrestricted);

  3. as an honorarium to support work done in an advisory capacity e.g. member of drug monitoring committee or on advisory board.

I am not affiliated to or hold shares in any one specific company." Azeem Majeed: nothing to declare. Josip Car: nothing to declare.

Gloria Sanclemente (an external content expert who peer‐refereed this review) has designed and performed trials with MAL (Metvix®) + Red Light in which Galderma Laboratories has provided the medication and placebo. She has also received honoraria, speaker fees and meeting sponsorship from this pharmaceutical lab.

Brigitte Dréno (an external content expert who also peer‐refereed this review) is a member of an international board for Galderma, and has a grant for clinical studies with drugs in acne and daylight PDT, but no clinical trials with MAL–PDT.

Figures

1
1
Study flow diagram.
2
2
Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.
1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Blue‐red light versus placebo, Outcome 1 Participant's and investigator's global assessment of improvement at final treatment.
2.1
2.1. Analysis
Comparison 2 Blue‐red light versus topical benzoyl peroxide, Outcome 1 Participant's and investigator's global assessment of improvement at final treatment.
3.1
3.1. Analysis
Comparison 3 Blue‐red light versus blue light alone, Outcome 1 Participant's and investigator's global assessment of improvement at final treatment.
4.1
4.1. Analysis
Comparison 4 Vehicle + 1000 s blue light versus vehicle + 500 s blue light, Outcome 1 Participant's global assessment of improvement at 6 weeks.
4.2
4.2. Analysis
Comparison 4 Vehicle + 1000 s blue light versus vehicle + 500 s blue light, Outcome 2 Investigator's global assessment of improvement.
5.1
5.1. Analysis
Comparison 5 20% ALA‐PDT versus vehicle plus blue light, Outcome 1 Participant's global assessment of improvement at 6 weeks.
5.2
5.2. Analysis
Comparison 5 20% ALA‐PDT versus vehicle plus blue light, Outcome 2 Investigator's global assessment of improvement at 3 weeks.
5.3
5.3. Analysis
Comparison 5 20% ALA‐PDT versus vehicle plus blue light, Outcome 3 Investigator's global assessment of improvement at 6 weeks.
6.1
6.1. Analysis
Comparison 6 20% ALA‐PDT 30 min incubation plus IPL versus 20% ALA‐PDT 3 h incubation plus IPL, Outcome 1 Participant's and investigator's global assessment of improvement at 12 weeks.
7.1
7.1. Analysis
Comparison 7 20% ALA‐PDT plus 560 nm IPL versus 560 nm IPL alone, Outcome 1 Participant's global assessment of improvement at 8 weeks.
8.1
8.1. Analysis
Comparison 8 20% ALA‐PDT 1000 s versus 500 s, Outcome 1 Participant's global assessment of improvement at 6 weeks.
8.2
8.2. Analysis
Comparison 8 20% ALA‐PDT 1000 s versus 500 s, Outcome 2 Investigator's global assessment of improvement.
9.1
9.1. Analysis
Comparison 9 20% ALA‐PDT versus 15% ALA‐PDT, Outcome 1 Participant's global assessment of improvement at 24 weeks.
9.2
9.2. Analysis
Comparison 9 20% ALA‐PDT versus 15% ALA‐PDT, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed severe adverse effects.
10.1
10.1. Analysis
Comparison 10 20% ALA‐PDT versus 10% ALA‐PDT, Outcome 1 Participant's global assessment of improvement at 24 weeks.
10.2
10.2. Analysis
Comparison 10 20% ALA‐PDT versus 10% ALA‐PDT, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed severe adverse effects.
11.1
11.1. Analysis
Comparison 11 20% ALA‐PDT versus 5% ALA‐PDT, Outcome 1 Participant's global assessment of improvement at 24 weeks.
11.2
11.2. Analysis
Comparison 11 20% ALA‐PDT versus 5% ALA‐PDT, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed severe adverse effects.
12.1
12.1. Analysis
Comparison 12 Yellow light versus no treatment, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed change in ILs, NILs and cysts at 12 weeks.
13.1
13.1. Analysis
Comparison 13 Infrared light versus no treatment, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed change in ILs, NILs and cysts at 8 weeks.
13.2
13.2. Analysis
Comparison 13 Infrared light versus no treatment, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed change in cysts at 8 weeks.
13.3
13.3. Analysis
Comparison 13 Infrared light versus no treatment, Outcome 3 Investigator‐assessed severe adverse effects.
14.1
14.1. Analysis
Comparison 14 585 nm PDL versus 530‐750 nm IPL, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed change in ILs and NILs at 8 weeks.
14.2
14.2. Analysis
Comparison 14 585 nm PDL versus 530‐750 nm IPL, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed change in ILs and NILS at 8 weeks (normal).
15.1
15.1. Analysis
Comparison 15 1450 nm laser treatments: single pass 13‐14 J/cm2 versus double pass 8–11 J/cm2, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed change in ILs at 8 weeks.
15.2
15.2. Analysis
Comparison 15 1450 nm laser treatments: single pass 13‐14 J/cm2 versus double pass 8–11 J/cm2, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed change in ILs at 8 weeks (normal).
16.1
16.1. Analysis
Comparison 16 1450 nm laser treatments: 14 J/cm2 versus 16 J/cm2, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed change and percentage change in ILs.
16.2
16.2. Analysis
Comparison 16 1450 nm laser treatments: 14 J/cm2 versus 16 J/cm2, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed change and percentage change in ILs (normal).
17.1
17.1. Analysis
Comparison 17 80 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed change in ILs.
17.2
17.2. Analysis
Comparison 17 80 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed percentage change in ILs.
17.3
17.3. Analysis
Comparison 17 80 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 3 Investigator‐assessed change in NILs.
17.4
17.4. Analysis
Comparison 17 80 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 4 Investigator‐assessed percentage change in NILs.
17.5
17.5. Analysis
Comparison 17 80 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 5 Investigator‐assessed severe adverse effects.
17.6
17.6. Analysis
Comparison 17 80 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 6 Investigator's global assessment of improvement.
18.1
18.1. Analysis
Comparison 18 40 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed change in ILs.
18.2
18.2. Analysis
Comparison 18 40 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed percentage change in ILs.
18.3
18.3. Analysis
Comparison 18 40 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 3 Investigator‐assessed change in NILs.
18.4
18.4. Analysis
Comparison 18 40 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 4 Investigator‐assessed percentage change in NILs.
18.5
18.5. Analysis
Comparison 18 40 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 5 Investigator's global assessment of improvement.
19.1
19.1. Analysis
Comparison 19 80 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light at 4 weeks, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed change in ILs and NILs.
19.2
19.2. Analysis
Comparison 19 80 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light at 4 weeks, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed change in ILs and NILs (normal).
20.1
20.1. Analysis
Comparison 20 160 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed change in ILs.
20.2
20.2. Analysis
Comparison 20 160 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed percentage change in ILs.
20.3
20.3. Analysis
Comparison 20 160 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light, Outcome 3 Investigator‐assessed severe adverse effects.
20.4
20.4. Analysis
Comparison 20 160 mg/g MAL plus red light versus placebo cream plus red light, Outcome 4 Investigator's global assessment of improvement.
21.1
21.1. Analysis
Comparison 21 80 mg/g MAL plus red light versus 40 mg/g MAL plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed change in ILs.
21.2
21.2. Analysis
Comparison 21 80 mg/g MAL plus red light versus 40 mg/g MAL plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed percentage change in ILs.
21.3
21.3. Analysis
Comparison 21 80 mg/g MAL plus red light versus 40 mg/g MAL plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 3 Investigator‐assessed change in NILs.
21.4
21.4. Analysis
Comparison 21 80 mg/g MAL plus red light versus 40 mg/g MAL plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 4 Investigator‐assessed percentage change in NILs.
21.5
21.5. Analysis
Comparison 21 80 mg/g MAL plus red light versus 40 mg/g MAL plus red light at 6 weeks, Outcome 5 Investigator's global assessment of improvement.
22.1
22.1. Analysis
Comparison 22 160 mg/g MAL‐PDT versus IPL alone, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed percentage change in ILs and NILs.
22.2
22.2. Analysis
Comparison 22 160 mg/g MAL‐PDT versus IPL alone, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed percentage change in ILs and NILs (normal).
23.1
23.1. Analysis
Comparison 23 160 mg/g MAL‐PDT versus adapalene, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed percentage change in ILs and NILs.
23.2
23.2. Analysis
Comparison 23 160 mg/g MAL‐PDT versus adapalene, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed percentage change in ILs and NILs (normal).
24.1
24.1. Analysis
Comparison 24 ALA plus 420‐950 nm IPL versus IPL alone, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed percentage change in ILs and NILs at 12 weeks.
24.2
24.2. Analysis
Comparison 24 ALA plus 420‐950 nm IPL versus IPL alone, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed percentage change in ILs and NILs at 12 weeks (normal).
24.3
24.3. Analysis
Comparison 24 ALA plus 420‐950 nm IPL versus IPL alone, Outcome 3 Investigator's global assessment of improvement at 12 weeks.
25.1
25.1. Analysis
Comparison 25 20% ALA‐PDT plus PDL versus no treatment, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed change in ILs, NILs and cysts.
25.2
25.2. Analysis
Comparison 25 20% ALA‐PDT plus PDL versus no treatment, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed severe adverse effects.
26.1
26.1. Analysis
Comparison 26 Intense pulsed light (IPL) versus no treatment, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed severe adverse effects.
26.2
26.2. Analysis
Comparison 26 Intense pulsed light (IPL) versus no treatment, Outcome 2 Investigator‐assessed change in acne severity at 6 months.
26.3
26.3. Analysis
Comparison 26 Intense pulsed light (IPL) versus no treatment, Outcome 3 Investigator‐assessed change in acne severity at 6 months (normal).
27.1
27.1. Analysis
Comparison 27 1450 nm laser treatments: single pass versus double pass, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed severe adverse effects.
28.1
28.1. Analysis
Comparison 28 MAL‐PDT with or without occlusion followed by 37 J/cm2 red light, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed severe adverse effects.
28.2
28.2. Analysis
Comparison 28 MAL‐PDT with or without occlusion followed by 37 J/cm2 red light, Outcome 2 Investigators' global assessment of improvement at 12 weeks.
29.1
29.1. Analysis
Comparison 29 Single versus multiple treatment of 20% ALA plus 550–700 nm light, Outcome 1 Investigator‐assessed severe adverse effects.
30.1
30.1. Analysis
Comparison 30 585 nm PDL versus BPO plus tretinoin, Outcome 1 Investigator's global assessment of improvement (timepoint unclear).
31.1
31.1. Analysis
Comparison 31 585 nm PDL versus retinoic acid plus TCA peeling, Outcome 1 Investigator's global assessment of improvement (timepoint unclear).
32.1
32.1. Analysis
Comparison 32 Blue‐red light plus topical treatments (TT) versus topical (TT) alone at 4 weeks, Outcome 1 Investigator's global assessment of improvement.
33.1
33.1. Analysis
Comparison 33 400‐410 nm plus 660 nm (blue‐red) light versus 400‐410 nm (blue) light alone, Outcome 1 Investigator's global assessment of improvement at 4 weeks.
34.1
34.1. Analysis
Comparison 34 Blue LED versus red LED, Outcome 1 Investigator's global assessment of improvement.
35.1
35.1. Analysis
Comparison 35 Blue‐red light plus sulfotanshinone (SFT) versus SFT alone, Outcome 1 Investigator's global assessment of improvement at 4 weeks.
36.1
36.1. Analysis
Comparison 36 Blue‐red light plus sulfotanshinone (SFT) versus blue‐red light plus SFT plus prednisolone, Outcome 1 Investigator's global assessment of improvement at 4 weeks.
37.1
37.1. Analysis
Comparison 37 Blue‐red light plus sulfotanshinone (SFT) versus SFT plus prednisolone, Outcome 1 Investigator's global assessment of improvement at 4 weeks.
38.1
38.1. Analysis
Comparison 38 Yinhua decoction (YD) plus electric light versus YD plus blue‐red light, Outcome 1 Investigator's global assessment of improvement at 12w.
39.1
39.1. Analysis
Comparison 39 Blue‐red light plus oral plus topical treatments (OT plus TT) versus OT plus TT alone at 4 weeks, Outcome 1 Investigator's global assessment of improvement.
40.1
40.1. Analysis
Comparison 40 ALA plus red light versus red light alone, Outcome 1 Investigator's global assessment of improvement.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Update of

  • doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007917

References

References to studies included in this review

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    1. Hörfelt C, Funk J, Frohm‐Nilsson M, Edström DW, Wennberg AM. Topical methyl aminolaevulinate photodynamic therapy for treatment of facial acne vulgaris: results of a randomized, controlled study. British Journal of Dermatology 2006;155(3):608‐13. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Ianosi 2013 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Ianosi S, Neagoe D, Calbureanu M, Ianosi G. Investigator‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized comparative study on combined vacuum and intense pulsed light versus intense pulsed light devices in both comedonal and papulopustular acne. Journal of Cosmetic & Laser Therapy 2013;15(5):248‐54. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Jih 2006 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Jih MH, Friedman PM, Goldberg LH, Robles M, Glaich AS, Kimyai‐Asadi A. The 1450‐nm diode laser for facial inflammatory acne vulgaris: dose‐response and 12‐month follow‐up study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2006;55(1):80‐7. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Jung 2009 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Jung JY, Choi YS, Yoon MY, Min SU, Suh DH. Comparison of a pulsed dye laser and a combined 585/1,064‐nm laser in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Dermatologic Surgery 2009;35(8):1181‐7. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Jung 2012 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Jung JY, Hong JS, Ahn CH, Yoon JY, Kwon HH, Suh DH. Prospective randomized controlled clinical and histopathological study of acne vulgaris treated with dual mode of quasi‐long pulse and Q‐switched 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser assisted with a topically applied carbon suspension. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2012;66(4):626‐33. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
    1. Jung JY, Yoon MY, Hong JS, Suh DH. Treatment of acne vulgaris with a low fluence 1064‐nm Nd: YAG laser after applying carbon suspension (90305). Conference: 1st Eastern Asia Dermatology Congress, EADC2010 Fukuoka Japan. Conference Start: 20100930 Conference End: 20101003. Journal of Dermatology 2010;37(Suppl 1):16. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2010.01024.x] - DOI
Karsai 2010 {published data only}
    1. Karsai S, Schmitt L, Raulin C. The pulsed‐dye laser as an adjuvant treatment modality in acne vulgaris: a randomized controlled single‐blinded trial. British Journal of Dermatology 2010;163(2):395‐401. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Kim 2009 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Kim BJ, Lee HG, Woo SM, Youn JI, Suh DH. Pilot study on photodynamic therapy for acne using indocyanine green and diode laser. Journal of Dermatology 2009;36(1):17‐21. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Kwon 2013 {published data only}
    1. Kwon HH, Lee JB, Yoon JY, Park SY, Ryu HH, Park BM, et al. The clinical and histological effect of home‐use, combination blue‐red LED phototherapy for mild to moderate acne vulgaris in Korean patients: a double blind, randomized controlled trial. British Journal of Dermatology 2013;168(5):1088‐94. [PUBMED: 23278295] - PubMed
    1. Kwon HH, Park BM, Suh DH, Lee JB, Yoon JY, Park SY, et al. The clinical and histologic effect of home‐use, combination blue‐red LED phototherapy for mild to moderate acne vulgaris in Korean patients: a double‐blind, randomized, sham device controlled trial. Conference: 71st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology Miami Beach, FL United States. Conference Start: 20130301 Conference End: 20130305. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2013;68(4 Suppl 1):AB18. [EMBASE: 70997159]
    1. Kwon HH, Yoon YI, Park SY, Ryu HH, Park BM, Kim JY, et al. A randomized, controlled trial of home‐use, combination blue‐red LED phototherapy for acne vulgaris with clinical and histological effectiveness (PO68). Proceedings of Dermatology (Korean) 2012; Vol. 64, issue 3:290. [210.101.116.28/W_files/kiss8/27728281_pv.pdf]
Lee 2010 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Lee SY. The efficacy of full‐spectrum light generated by electrical discharge between two carbon arc rods for the treatment of acne compared to 1% topical clindamycin. Conference: 30th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Phoenix, AZ United States. Conference Start: 20100416 Conference End: 20100418. Lasers in Surgery & Medicine 2010;42:72. [EMBASE: 70420843]
Leheta 2009 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Leheta TM. Role of the 585‐nm pulsed dye laser in the treatment of acne in comparison with other topical therapeutic modalities. Journal of Cosmetic & Laser Therapy 2009;11(2):118‐24. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Ling 2010 {published data only}
    1. Ling X, Chen L, Ji J, Shi X. Clinical comparative observation of red and blue LED light combination phototherapy in the treatment of medium and severe acne. Chinese Journal of Aesthetic Medicine 2010;12:1835‐6.
Liu 2011 {published data only}
    1. Liu G, Pan C, Li K, Tan Y, Wei X. Phototherapy for mild to moderate acne vulgaris with portable blue and red LED. Journal of Innovative Optical Health Sciences 2011;04(01):45‐52.
Liu 2014 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Liu H, Fan X, An YX, Zhang J, Wang CM, Yang RY. Randomized trial of three phototherapy methods for the treatment of acne vulgaris in Chinese patients. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 2014;30(5):246‐53. [PUBMED: 24313686] - PubMed
McGill 2008 {published data only}
    1. McGill DJ. Current understanding of cutaneous laser treatment: a need for improved outcome and objective methods of assessing results [MD thesis] 2008. University of Aberdeen. digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?application=DIGITOOL‐3&.... Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, (accessed 13 October 2015).
Mei 2013 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Mei X, Shi W, Piao Y. Effectiveness of photodynamic therapy with topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid and intense pulsed light in Chinese acne vulgaris patients. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 2013;29(2):90‐6. [PUBMED: 23458393] - PubMed
Moneib 2014 {published data only}
    1. Moneib H, Tawfik AA, Youssef SS, Fawzy MM. Randomized split‐face controlled study to evaluate 1550‐nm fractionated Erbium Glass Laser for treatment of acne vulgaris‐an image analysis evaluation. Dermatologic Surgery 2014;40(11):1191‐200. [DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000167; PUBMED: 25310750] - DOI - PubMed
Na 2007 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Na JI, Suh DH. Red light phototherapy alone is effective for acne vulgaris: randomized, single‐blinded clinical trial. Dermatologic Surgery 2007;33(10):1228‐32. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Na 2011 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Na JI, Kim JH, Kim SY, Park K‐C, Youn S‐W, Huh C‐H, et al. A new photosensitizer for acne photodynamic therapy: Indole‐3‐acetic acid. Conference: 29th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery National Harbor, MD United States. Conference Start: 20090401 Conference End: 20090405. Lasers in Surgery & Medicine 2009;41:30‐1. [EMBASE: 70332704]
    1. Na JI, Kim SY, Kim JH, Youn SW, Huh CH, Park KC. Indole‐3‐acetic acid: a potential new photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 2011;43(3):200‐5. [PUBMED: 21412803] - PubMed
NCT00594425 {published and unpublished data}
    1. NCT00594425. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) cream in moderate to severe acne. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00594425?term=NCT00594425 (accessed 6 February 2013).
NCT00673933 {published and unpublished data}
    1. NCT00673933. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) cream in patients with skin type V or IV with acne vulgaris. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00673933?term=NCT00673933 (accessed 6 February 2013).
NCT00706433 {published data only}
    1. NCT00706433. Light dose ranging study of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Levulan + blue light versus vehicle + blue light in aevere dacial Acne. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00706433 (accessed 29 September 2015).
NCT00933543 {published and unpublished data}
    1. NCT00933543. Efficacy and safety study with visonac photodynamic therapy (PDT). clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00933543?term=NCT00933543 (accessed 6 February 2013).
Oh 2009 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Oh SH, Ryu DJ, Han EC, Lee KH, Lee JH. A comparative study of topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid incubation times in photodynamic therapy with intense pulsed light for the treatment of inflammatory acne. Dermatologic Surgery 2009;35(12):1918‐26. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Orringer 2004 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Orringer J, Kang S, Cho S, Schumacher W, Karimipour D, Voorhees J. NLite pulsed dye laser therapy for acne vulgaris: a randomized clinical trial. Abstract 157‐01. American Academy of Dermatology 63rd Annual Meeting February 18‐22, 2005. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2005;53(3 Suppl):AB11.
    1. Orringer J, Kang S, Cho S, Schumacher W, Karimipour D, Voorhees JJ. NLite pulsed dye laser therapy for acne vulgaris: a randomized clinical trial (Abstract 305). SID 2004 Meeting Abstracts. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2004;122(3):A51. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1747.2004..x] - DOI
    1. Orringer JS, Kang SW, Hamilton T, Schumacher W, Cho SY, Hammerberg C, et al. Treatment of acne vulgaris with a pulsed dye laser ‐ a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2004;291(23):2834‐9. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Orringer 2007 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Orringer JS, Kang S, Maier L, Johnson TM, Sachs DL, Karimipour DJ, et al. A randomized, controlled, split‐face clinical trial of 1320‐nm Nd:YAG laser therapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2007;56(3):432‐8. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Orringer 2010 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Orringer JS, Sachs DL, Bailey E, Kang S, Hamilton T, Voorhees JJ. Photodynamic therapy for acne vulgaris: a randomized, controlled, split‐face clinical trial of topical aminolevulinic acid and pulsed dye laser therapy. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2010;9(1):28‐34. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Ou 2014 {published data only}
    1. Ou Yun, Liu Hong Xia, Ji Yan. Clinical observation of electric light combined with Yinhua Decoction on moderate acne (Feiweiyunre Syndrome). Chinese Journal of Dermatovenereology 2014;28:1279‐81.
Paithankar 2015 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Paithankar DY, Sakamoto FH, Farinelli WA, Kositratna G, Blomgren RD, Meyer TJ, et al. Acne treatment based on selective photothermolysis of sebaceous follicles with topically delivered light‐absorbing gold microparticles. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2015;135(7):1727‐34. [PUBMED: 25748556] - PMC - PubMed
Papageorgieu 2000 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Papageorgiou P, Katsambas A, Chu A. Phototherapy with blue (415 nm) and red (660 nm) light in the treatment of acne vulgaris. British Journal of Dermatology 2000;142(5):973‐8. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Pariser 2013 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Pariser D. Photodynamic therapy with methylaminolevulinate 80 mg/g and red light demonstrates significant efficacy in acne. Conference: 71st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology Miami Beach, FL United States. Conference Start: 20130301 Conference End: 20130305. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2013;68(4 Suppl 1):AB17. [EMBASE: 70997156]
    1. Pariser DM, Eichenfield LF, Bukhalo M, Waterman G, Jarratt M. Photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolaevulinate 80 mg g(‐1) for severe facial acne vulgaris: a randomized vehicle‐controlled study. British Journal of Dermatology 2016;174(4):770‐7. [PUBMED: 26663215] - PubMed
Pollock 2004 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Pollock B, Turner D, Goulden V, Stables GS, Cunliffe WJ. Aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of acne vulgaris Abstract. British Journal of Dermatology 2001;145(Suppl 59):66. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2001.040ff.x] - DOI - PubMed
    1. Pollock B, Turner D, Stringer MR, Bojar RA, Goulden V, Stables GI, et al. Topical aminolaevulinic acid‐photodynamic therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a study of clinical efficacy and mechanism of action. British Journal of Dermatology 2004;151(3):616‐22. [EMBASE: 2004430542] - PubMed
Ragab 2014 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Ragab MA, Hussein TM, Salem MA. Photodynamic therapy using 5‐aminolevulinic acid and intense pulsed light against intense pulsed light alone in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society 2014;11(3):173‐8. [DOI: 10.1097/01.EWX.0000452298.99232.bf] - DOI
Sadick 2010a {published data only}
    1. Sadick N. An open‐label, split‐face study comparing the safety and efficacy of Levulan Kerastick (aminolevulonic acid) plus a 532 nm KTP laser to a 532 nm KTP laser alone for the treatment of moderate facial acne. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2010;9(3):229‐33. [PUBMED: 20232583] - PubMed
Sadick 2010b {published and unpublished data}
    1. Sadick N, Laver Z, Laver L. Treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris using a combined light and heat energy device: home‐use clinical study conference: 30th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Phoenix, AZ United States. Conference Start: 20100416 Conference End: 20100418. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 2010;42:35. [EMBASE: 70420734]
    1. Sadick NS, Laver Z, Laver L. Treatment of mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris using a combined light and heat energy device: home‐use clinical study. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy 2010;12(6):276‐83. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Sami 2008 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Sami NA, Attia AT, Badawi AM. Phototherapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2008;7(7):627‐32. [EMBASE: 18664153] - PubMed
Seaton 2003 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Seaton E, Charakida A, Mouser PE, Grace I, Clement RM, Chu AC. Pulsed dye laser treatment in inflammatory acne vulgaris: a randomized controlled trial (Abstract RF‐6). British Association of Dermatologists 83rd Annual Meeting. British Journal of Dermatology 2003;149(Suppl 64):11‐2. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.149.s64.9.x] - DOI
    1. Seaton ED, Charakida A, Mouser PE, Grace I, Clement RM, Chu AC. Pulsed‐dye laser treatment for inflammatory acne vulgaris: randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2003;362(9393):1347‐52. [EMBASE: 2003440785] - PubMed
Song 2014 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Kwon I, Ku S, Lee D. Photodynamic therapy using chlorophyll‐a in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized, single‐blind, split‐face study. Conference: 44th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research Copenhagen Denmark. Conference Start: 20140910 Conference End: 20140913. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2014;134:S87. [EMBASE: 71606808]
    1. Song BH, Lee DH, Kim BC, Ku SH, Park EJ, Kwon IH, et al. Photodynamic therapy using chlorophyll‐a in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized, single‐blind, split‐face study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2014;71(4):764‐71. [PUBMED: 24930587] - PubMed
Taub 2007 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Taub AF. A comparison of intense pulsed light, combination radiofrequency and intense pulsed light, and blue light in photodynamic therapy for acne vulgaris. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2007;6(10):1010‐6. [EMBASE: 17966178] - PubMed
Tzung 2004 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Tzung TY, Wu KH, Huang ML. Blue light phototherapy in the treatment of acne. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 2004;20(5):266‐9. [EMBASE: 2004437889] - PubMed
Uebelhoer 2007 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Uebelhoer NS, Bogle MA, Dover JS, Arndt KA, Rohrer TE. Comparison of stacked pulses versus double‐pass treatments of facial acne with a 1,450‐nm laser. Dermatologic Surgery 2007;33(5):552‐9. [EMBASE: 2007206610] - PubMed
Wang 2006 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Wang SQ, Counters JT, Flor ME, Zelickson BD. Treatment of inflammatory facial acne with the 1,450 nm diode laser alone versus microdermabrasion plus the 1,450 nm laser: A randomized, split‐face trial. Dermatologic Surgery 2006;32(2):249‐55. [EMBASE: 2006136765] - PubMed
Wiegell 2006a {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Wiegell SR, Wulf HC. Photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris using 5‐aminolevulinic acid versus methyl aminolevulinate. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2006;54(4):647‐51. [EMBASE: 2006129707] - PubMed
Wiegell 2006b {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Wiegell SR, Wulf HC. Photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris using methyl aminolaevulinate: a blinded, randomized, controlled trial. British Journal of Dermatology 2006;154(5):969‐76. [EMBASE: 2006178830] - PubMed
Yeung 2007 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Yeung CK, Shek SY, Bjerring P, Yu CS, Kono T, Chan HH. A comparative study of intense pulsed light alone and its combination with photodynamic therapy for the treatment of facial acne in Asian skin. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 2007;39(1):1‐6. [EMBASE: 2007083339] - PubMed
Yilmaz 2011 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Yilmaz O, Senturk N, Yuksel EP, Aydin F, Ozden MG, Canturk T, et al. Evaluation of 532‐nm KTP laser treatment efficacy on acne vulgaris with once and twice weekly applications. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy 2011;13(6):303‐7. [EMBASE: 2011636520] - PubMed
Yin 2010 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Yin R, Hao F, Deng J, Yang XC, Yan H. Investigation of optimal aminolaevulinic acid concentration applied in topical aminolaevulinic acid‐photodynamic therapy for treatment of moderate to severe acne: a pilot study in Chinese subjects. British Journal of Dermatology 2010;163(5):1064‐71. [EMBASE: 2010621844] - PubMed
Zhang 2009a {published data only}
    1. Zhang Y, Yang L, Zhou J‐z, Song Q‐h, Liu B, Lei Q, et al. Clinical study of Omnilux blue and red LED phototherapy in the treatment of acne. Chinese Journal of Dermatovenereology 2009;4:013.
Zhang 2013a {published data only}
    1. Zhang J, Yu B, Zhong QL, Shao Y, Chen BC, Ye TL. Therapeutic effect and follow‐up analysis of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of moderate to severe acne. Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2013;42(5):314‐316. [EMBASE: 2013442382]
Zhang 2013b {published data only}
    1. Zhang Y‐H. The clinical efficacy of blue red LED phototherapy combined with jinhua xiaocuo pills and chloramphenicol tincture on the treatment of acne vulgaris. Chinese Journal of Dermatovenereology 2013;27:304‐5.

References to studies excluded from this review

Alam 2003 {published data only}
    1. Alam M, Peterson SR, Silapunt S, Chopra K, Friedman PM, Goldberg LH. Comparison of 1450 nm diode laser and 595 nm pulsed‐dye laser for treatment of facial acne: A left‐right randomized trial of efficacy and adverse effects. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 2003;32(1):30.
Alexiades‐Armenakas 2006 {published data only}
    1. Alexiades‐Armenakas M. Long‐pulsed dye laser‐mediated photodynamic therapy combined with topical therapy for mild to severe comedonal, inflammatory, or cystic acne. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2006;5(1):45‐55. [PUBMED: 16468292] - PubMed
Aziz‐Jalali 2012 {published data only}
    1. Aziz‐Jalali MH, Tabaie SM, Djavid GE. Comparison of red and infrared low‐level laser therapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Indian Journal of Dermatology 2012;57(2):128‐30. [PUBMED: 22615511] - PMC - PubMed
De Leeuw 2010 {published data only}
    1. Leeuw J, Beek N, Bjerring P, Neumann HA. Photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris using 5‐aminolevulinic acid 0.5% liposomal spray and intense pulsed light in combination with topical keratolytic agents. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology 2010;24(4):460‐9. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Goldman 2003 {published data only}
    1. Goldman MP, Boyce SM. A single‐center study of aminolevulinic acid and 417 NM photodynamic therapy in the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2003;2(4):393‐6. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Hong 2005 {published data only}
    1. Hong SB, Lee MH. Topical aminolevulinic acid‐photodynamic therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 2005;21(6):322‐5. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Kim 2008 {published data only}
    1. Kim S. The dual treatment of acne vulgaris using two kinds of ELOS (TM) (electro optical synergy) system: A simultaneous split‐face trial. Journal of Cosmetic & Laser Therapy 2008;10(4):213‐6. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Lee 2007 {published data only}
    1. Lee JH, Kim SE, Park K, Son SJ. Topical aminolaevulinic acid‐photodynamic therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Annals of Dermatology 2007;19(2):55‐9.
Ma 2013 {published data only}
    1. Ma Li, Xiang LH, Yu B, Yin R, Chen L, Wu Y, et al. Low‐dose topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy in the treatment of different severity of acne vulgaris. Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy 2013;10(4):583‐90. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Morton 2005 {published data only}
    1. Morton CA, Scholefield RD, Whitehurst C, Birch J. An open study to determine the efficacy of blue light in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2005;16(4):219‐23. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
NCT00613444 {published data only}
    1. NCT00613444. Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of acne. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00613444?term=NCT00613444 (accessed 6 February 2013).
Owczarek 2014 {published data only}
    1. Owczarek W, Wydrzyska A, Lebkowska K, Nawrocka A, Paluchowska E, Podolec K, et al. Treatment of acne with selective photothermolysis of the sebaceous follicle with gold‐coated microparticles, a clinical study. Conference: 34rd Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, ASLMS 2014 Phoenix, AZ United States. Conference Start: 20140402 Conference End: 20140406. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 2014;46:3. [DOI: 10.1002/lsm.22229; EMBASE: 71594490] - DOI
    1. Paithankar DY, Sakamoto FH, Farinelli WA, Kositratna G, Blomgren RD, Meyer TJ, et al. Acne treatment based on selective photothermolysis of sebaceous follicles with topically delivered light‐absorbing gold microparticles. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2015;135(7):1727‐34. [PUBMED: 25748556] - PMC - PubMed
Pinto 2013 {published data only}
    1. Pinto C, Schafer F, Orellana JJ, Gonzalez S, Hasson A. Efficacy of red light alone and methyl‐aminolaevulinate‐photodynamic therapy for the treatment of mild and moderate facial acne. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology 2013;79(1):77‐82. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Rojanamatin 2006 {published data only}
    1. Rojanamatin J, Choawawanich P. Treatment of inflammatory facial acne vulgaris with intense pulsed light and short contact of topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid: a pilot study. Dermatologic Surgery 2006;32(8):991‐6, 996‐7. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Santos 2005 {published data only}
    1. Santos MA, Belo VG, Santos G. Effectiveness of photodynamic therapy with topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid and intense pulsed light versus intense pulsed light alone in the treatment of acne vulgaris: comparative study. Dermatologic Surgery 2005;31(8 Pt 1):910‐5. [EMBASE: 16042935] - PubMed
Shin 2012 {published data only}
    1. Shin JU, Lee SH, Jung JY, Lee JH. A split‐face comparison of a fractional microneedle radiofrequency device and fractional carbon dioxide laser therapy in acne patients. Journal of Cosmetic & Laser Therapy 2012;14(5):212‐7. [PUBMED: 23016530] - PubMed
Tuchin 2003 {published data only}
    1. Tuchin VV, Altshuler GB, Genina EA, Bashkatov AN, Simonenko GV, Odoevskaya OD, et al. ICG laser therapy of acne vulgaris. Laser Interaction with Tissue and Cells XV 2004;5319:363‐77. [DOI: 10.1117/12.531010] - DOI
    1. Tuchin VV, Genina EA, Bashkatov AN, Simonenko GV, Odoevskaya OD, Altshuler GB. A pilot study of ICG laser therapy of acne vulgaris: photodynamic and photothermolysis treatment. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 2003; Vol. 33, issue 5:296‐310. [EMBASE: 2004006279] - PubMed
Wang 2012 {published data only}
    1. Wang HW, Lv T, Zhang LL, Guo MX, Stepp H, Yang K, et al. Prospective study of topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris in Chinese patients. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 2012;16(5):324‐33. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Yang 2013 {published data only}
    1. Yang GL, Zhao M, Wang JM, He CF, Luo Y, Liu HY, et al. Short‐term clinical effects of photodynamic therapy with topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid for facial acne conglobata: an open, prospective, parallel‐arm trial. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 2013;29(5):233‐8. [PUBMED: 24001378] - PubMed
Yao 2009 {published data only}
    1. Yao Y, Min Z. Efficacy of phototherapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine on acne vulgaris. Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2009; Vol. 42, issue 3:175‐7.
Yoon 2014 {published data only}
    1. Yoon JH, Park EJ, Kwon IH, Kim CW, Lee GS, Hann SK, et al. Concomitant use of an infrared fractional laser with low‐dose isotretinoin for the treatment of acne and acne scars. Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2014;25(2):142‐6. - PubMed
Zhan 1997 {published data only}
    1. Zhan AR, Chen FR, Yang XD. He‐Ne laser irradiation on ear points for 370 cases with acne patients. Chinese Journal of Physical Therapy 1997;20(3):161‐3.
Zhong 2007 {published data only}
    1. Zhong JQ, Xian DH, Chen DY. The clinical efficacy of narrowband blue light in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2007; Vol. 36, issue 2:115‐6.
Zhu 2009 {published data only}
    1. Zhu X, Li Y, Wu Y, Jia L, Xu T, Wu H, et al. Efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light therapy in combination with ALA‐PDT in the treatment of inflammatory acne papules. Chinese Journal of Aesthetic Medicine 2009;8:1136‐9.

References to studies awaiting assessment

Berson 2006 {published data only}
    1. Berson D, Bruce S, Horne D, Rich P. A Phase II, randomized, investigator‐blinded, parallel study of photodynamic therapy of topical aminolevulinic acid in the treatment of moderate to severe acne rising various drug incubation times. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2006;54(3):AB23.
Demina 2015 {published data only}
    1. Demina O. [ИННОВАЦИОННЫЕ ПАТОГЕНЕТИЧЕСКИЕ И ТЕРАПЕВТИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ УГРЕВОЙ БОЛЕЗНИ)]. Innovative pathogenetic and therapeutic aspects of acne [Masters thesis]. Moscow, Russian Federation: Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (RNRMU), 2016. [rsmu.ru/fileadmin/rsmu/img/about_rsmu/disser/2016/demina_om/a_demina_om....
    1. Demina OM, Kaptelishev AV, Potekaev NN. The efficacy of innovative technologies in the combination therapy of patients with acne. Klinicheskaya Dermatologiya i Venerologiya 2015;14(5):17‐23.
Du 2015 {published data only}
    1. Du H, Sun YL, He CF, Luo Y, Long CQ, Gao J, et al. Clinical research of Tanshinone capsule combined with photodynamic therapy in the treatment of 31 cases severe acne. Chinese Journal of Dermatovenereology 2015;29(8):805‐7.
Edwards 2006 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Edwards C, Hill S, Anstey A. A safe and effective yellow light‐emitting diode treatment for mild to moderate acne: a within‐patient half‐face dose ranging study (Abstract P105). American Academy of Dermatology 64th Annual Meeting March 3‐7, 2006. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2006;54(3):AB15.
Elgendy 2015 {published data only}
    1. Elgendy A, Khalil K, Alshawadfy E, Wadea N, Alkady O. Blue light therapy versus low dose isotretinoin in mild to moderate acne. Global Dermatology 2015;2(3):131‐134. [DOI: 10.15761/GOD.1000138] - DOI
Faghihi 2011 {published data only}
    1. Faghihi G, Vali A, Asilian A, Reza Radan M, Esteki H, Elahidoost M. Comparative efficacy of filtered blue light (emitted from sunlight) and topical erythromycin solution in acne treatment: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists 2011;21(3):179‐84. [EMBASE: 2011610276]
Ganceviciene 2015 {published data only}
    1. Ganceviciene R, Meskauskas R, Berzanskyte A. Treatment of acne vulgaris with 1064 nm Nd: YAG Laser. Journal of the Laser and Health Academy 2015. [http://www.laserandhealthacademy.com/media/objave/academy/priponke/gance...
ISRCTN73616060 {published data only}
    1. ISRCTN73616060. A preliminary observational study on the effect of pulsed dye laser treatment in patients with facial acne vulgaris.. www.controlled‐trials.com/ISRCTN73616060 (accessed 10 October 2015).
ISRCTN78675673 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. ISRCTN78675673. Laser versus conventional treatment for active acne in primary care. controlled‐trials.com/ISRCTN78675673 (accessed 6 February 2013).
ISRCTN95939628 {published and unpublished data}
    1. ISRCTN95939628. Comparative study of the pulsed dye laser and the Omnilux blue/red light phototherapy system in the treatment of mild‐moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris. controlled‐trials.com/ISRCTN95939628 (accessed 6 February 2013).
Kim 2012 {published data only}
    1. Kim JE, Hwang JI, Lee JI, Cho BK, Park HJ. Pilot study on photodynamic therapy for acne using chlorophyll: evaluator‐blinded, split‐face study. Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2012;23(1):35‐6. [EMBASE: 2012042231] - PubMed
Kwon 2016 {published data only}
    1. Kwon HH, Moon KR, Park SY, Yoon JY, Suh DH, Lee JB. Daylight photodynamic therapy with 1.5% 3‐butenyl 5‐aminolevulinate gel as a convenient, effective and safe therapy in acne treatment: a double‐blind randomized controlled trial. Journal of Dermatology 2016;43(5):515‐21. [PUBMED: 26660491] - PubMed
    1. NCT02313467. Topical PDT Cream Without Irradiation Source in the Acne Treatment [Topical application of 1.5% butenyl ALA without light source irradiation in the treatment of acne: a double blinded randomized controlled trial]. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02313467 Date first received: 8 December 2014.
Lee 2012 {published data only}
    1. Lee WJ, Jung HJ, Kim JY, Lee SJ, Kim DW. Effect of photodynamic therapy on inflammatory acne using 3% liposomal 5‐aminolevulinic acid emulsion and intense‐pulsed light: a pilot study. Journal of Dermatology 2012;39(8):728‐9. [EMBASE: 2012448005] - PubMed
Lekakh 2015 {published data only}
    1. Lekakh O, Mahoney AM, Novice K, Kamalpour J, Sadeghian A, Mondo D, et al. Treatment of acne vulgaris with salicylic acid chemical peel and pulsed dye laser: a split face, rater‐blinded, randomized controlled rrial. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences 2015;6(4):167‐70. [PUBMED: 26705462] - PMC - PubMed
Lin 2011 {published data only}
    1. Lin X, Li W. Therapeutic effect of acne treated by red and blue light combine with Chen's Acne Clear. Chinese Journal of Aesthetic Medicine 2011;9:102‐3.
Moftah 2016 {published data only}
    1. Moftah NH, Ibrahim SM, Wahba NH. Intense pulsed light versus photodynamic therapy using liposomal methylene blue gel for the treatment of truncal acne vulgaris: a comparative randomized split body study. Archives of Dermatological Research 2016;308(4):263‐8. [PUBMED: 26993345] - PubMed
Nataloni 2003 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Nataloni R. Laser treatment comparable to oral antibiotics: 532 nm laser addresses multiple acne pathogens. Dermatology Times 2003 business.highbeam.com/137923/article‐1G1‐111035596/laser‐treatment‐compa... (accessed 10 January 2016).
NCT00237978 {published and unpublished data}
    1. NCT00237978. Control of therapy of acne papulopustulosa by visible light with waterfiltered infrared and / or adapalen (Differin gel). clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00237978 (accessed 6 February 2013).
NCT00814918 {published and unpublished data}
    1. NCT00814918. Topical 5‐ALA‐PDT with BLU‐U therapy versus topical 5‐ALA with pulse dye laser In treating recalcitrant acne Vulgaris. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00814918?term=NCT00814918 (accessed 6 February 2013).
NCT01245946 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. NCT01245946. Photodynamic therapy compared to adapalene 0.1% gel plus doxycycline in the treatment of acne vulgaris. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01245946?term=NCT01245946 (accessed 6 February 2013).
NCT01472900 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. NCT01472900. 2940nm Er:YAG laser versus benzoyl peroxide gel for the treatment of inflammatory acne. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01472900?term=NCT01472900 (accessed 6 February 2013).
NCT01584674 {published data only}
    1. NCT01584674. A clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of the KLOX Biophotonic System in moderate to severe acne. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01584674 (accessed 10 November 2015).
NCT01689935 {published data only}
    1. NCT01689935. Reduced side‐effects of photodynamic therapy for the treatment of moderate to severe acne (i‐PDT). clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01689935 (accessed 10 November 2015).
NCT02647528 {published data only}
    1. NCT02647528. A trial of pulse dyed laser (Chromogenex Regenlite Transform) in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris (chromogenix) [A randomized, blinded, single‐centered, placebo‐controlled trial of pulse dyed laser (Chromogenex Regenlite Transform) in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris]. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02647528 Date first received: 31 December 2015.
Nestor 2016 {published data only}
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Park 2015 {published data only}
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Passeron 2011 {published data only}
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Pinto 2011 {published data only}
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Sadick 2016 {published data only}
    1. Sadick N, Dorizas A, Bonhert K. A randomized, blinded, single‐centered, placebo‐controlled trial of pulse dyed laser (Chromogenex Regenlite Transform) in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 2016;48:26.
Sakamoto 2012 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Sakamoto FH, Izikson L, Lewis W, Ferrick B, Doukas A, Farinelli WA, et al. Preliminary results of a pilot prospective randomized double‐blinded control study to compare a new inhibitory PDT method to conventional ALA‐PDT for the treatment of recalcitrant moderate‐severe acne. Conference: 32nd Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, ASLMS 2012 Kissimmee, FL United States. Conference Start: 20120418 Conference End: 20120422. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 2012;44:8. [EMBASE: 70716650]
Shaheen 2011 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Shaheen B, Gonzalez ML. Randomized, controlled, double‐blind, clinical trial evaluating the mechanism of action, efficacies and safety of methylaminolaevulinate photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intense pulsed light, administered as placebo‐PDT, compared with adapalene 0‐1% gel in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Conference: 91st Annual Meeting of the British Association of Dermatologists London United Kingdom. Conference Start: 20110705 Conference End: 20110707. British Journal of Dermatology 2011;165:103. [EMBASE: 70479588]
Song 2012 {published data only}
    1. Song BH, Ku SH, Park EJ, Kim KH. Efficacy and safety of chlorophyll A photodynamic therapy in acne vulgaris patients. Proceedings of Dermatology (Korean) 2012;64(3):304. [210.101.116.28/W_files/kiss8/27728317_pv.pdf]
Troilius 2005 {published data only}
    1. Troilius A. Acne ‐ intense pulsed light and laser therapies as antibiotic‐sparing strategy in combination with medical management [Abstract SSS09.15]. The 14th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, London, UK. 12‐15th October 2005. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology 2005;19(Suppl 2):17.
Voravutinon 2016 {published data only}
    1. Voravutinon N, Rojanamatin J, Sadhwani D, Iyengar S, Alam M. A comparative split‐face study using different mild purpuric and subpurpuric fluence level of 595‐nm pulsed‐dye laser for treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Dermatologic Surgery 2016;42(3):403‐9. [PUBMED: 26890802] - PubMed
Wang 2016 {published data only}
    1. Wang Q, Yuan D, Liu W, Chen J, Lin X, Cheng S, et al. Use of optical fiber imported intra‐tissue photodynamic therapy for treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Medical Science Monitor 2016;22:362‐6. [PUBMED: 26839152] - PMC - PubMed
Zhang 2009b {published data only}
    1. Zhang L, Wang X, Wang H, Su L, Guo M. Topical aminolevulinic acid‐photodynamic therapy in acne. Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2009;42(2):78‐80.

References to ongoing studies

EU 2014‐005235‐13 {published data only}
    1. EU 2014‐005235‐13. Therapy‐treatment (PDT) on acne, a study to optimize the number of treatments, the right light‐dose and the right pre‐treatment in order to obtain a longterm remission‐time. clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr‐search/trial/2014‐005235‐13/SE (accessed 5 October 2015).
NCT02217228 {published and unpublished data}
    1. NCT02217228. Pivotal study of sebacia microparticles in the treatment of acne vulgaris. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02217228 (accessed 12 November 2014).
NCT02431494 {published data only}
    1. NCT02431494. Safety and preliminary efficacy of combination therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02431494 (accessed 12 November 2014).

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