Photodynamic therapy for nodular basal cell carcinoma up to 5mm located on high-risk area: Effectiveness and long-term follow-up results

Abstract

Significance: Response rates evaluation of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) treatment located on high-risk and low-risk areas of the face.

Approach: Two groups of nodular BCC were selected, debulked, and received 20% methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) hydrochloride cream. After 3 h, the first irradiation was performed (20 min, 150 J/cm²). Then, the cream was re-applied, and a second irradiation was performed after 1.5 h (20 min, 150 J/cm²). Clearance at 30 days and recurrence-free survival rate were evaluated.

Results: The clearance at 30 days after PDT was 89% for the low-risk area group and 87% for the high-risk group. The recurrence-free survival at 60 months was 82% and 85% for the high-risk and low-risk groups, respectively.

Conclusions: No significant differences were observed between groups nor for clearance at 30 days, nor recurrence-free follow-up. These results make PDT possible option for nodular BCC less than 5 mm located in high-risk areas.

Keywords: Methyl aminolevulinate; Nodular basal cell carcinoma; Photodynamic therapy; Single visit treatment.