title: Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid and photodynamic therapy in dermatology: a minireview.
abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment modality using a photosensitizer, light and oxygen to cause photochemically induced selective cell death. When exposed to light with the proper wavelength, the topically applied photosensitizer or photosensitizer precursor can activate a biomolecule through electron transfer to yield free radicals or produce singlet oxygen from energy transferred from the excited sensitizer to molecular oxygen. The tissue damage is the result of the activation of reactive singlet oxygen or free radical production. Photodynamic therapy with topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a new technique and although it remains largely experimental, it has potential application for treatment of malignant skin tumors, various precancerous and selected benign skin diseases. This technique yields not only a high percentage of good therapeutic results but also excellent cosmetic outcome. This paper reviews the recently published data on clinical ALA-based PDT in dermatology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatological Sciences, University of Florence, Italy.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cappugi
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Campolmi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mavilia
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Prignano
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rossi
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001913:Bowen's Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000188:drug therapy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D005609:Free Radicals; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid