Topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for extensive scalp actinic keratoses.
Scalp actinic keratoses (AKs) are common, particularly in elderly bald males. Cryotherapy and 5-fluorouracil are effective for localized AKs but are limited in extensive disease. Topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (5-ALA PDT) is an alternative. We treated four patients with extensive scalp AKs with low light dose, low dose-rate topical 5-ALA PDT using a broad-spectrum visible light source. Three patients cleared and one showed significant improvement. Remission lasted 6 months.
Markham
T
T
City of Dublin Skin and Cancer Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland. trevormarkham@hotmail.com
Collins
P
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid