Photodynamic therapy as a treatment option for multiple pigmented basal cell carcinoma: Long-term follow-up results

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used worldwide as a non-surgical option for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). PDT treatment for pigmented BCC is not frequently performed because of poorer results, which are explained by lower penetration of the light, possibly related to the melanin absorption in the visible range wavelengths. However, there is evidence for an increase in PDT cure rates with prior debulking of the lesion. In this study, we reported a complete clearance of 30 pigmented basal cell carcinomas in 2 patients. PDT was performed in a single visit protocol, which consists of two illumination sessions performed on the same day (125 mW/cm² of irradiance and 150 J/cm² of fluence). Imediately after the debulking of the BCC, a 20 % methyl aminolevulinate cream was applied and occluded for 3 h in the first session and 1.5 h in the second. After 30 days of the treatment, all regions were evaluated clinically and histologically, showing no residual BCC. Even with long-term follow-up (mean of 24 months), no recurrence was detected.. This PDT protocol achieved 100 % control for pigmented BCC. Therefore, it was demonstrated that PDT may be a successful treatment option for small and multiple pigmented BCC.

Keywords: Follow-up; Photodynamic therapy; Pigmented basal cell carcinoma.