title: In vivo fluorescence kinetics and photodynamic therapy in condylomata acuminata.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Topical application of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) to condylomata acuminata leads to accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX); therefore ALA-induced photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) appears to be a potential treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate in vivo the PpIX fluorescence time course after topical application of ALA in order to determine the optimal time for irradiation, and to assess the efficacy of subsequently performed ALA-PDT.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fluorescence kinetics was studied in 12 male patients with condylomata acuminata. Confirmation of diagnosis was established with conventional histology and polymerase chain reaction. Lesions were treated with 20% ALA and irradiated at the optimal time with a dose of 70 J cm-2 or 100 J cm-2 light. An additional session with 100 J cm-2 was administered 1 week later to lesions that persisted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The in vivo study of fluorescence kinetics indicated that the optimal time for irradiation varied among patients from 6 to 11 h. The overall cure rate was 72.9%, 12 months after treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Topical ALA-PDT is a potentially effective treatment for condylomata acuminata.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Heraklion University General Hospital, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece. irenestef@in.gr
authors: I M
authors: IM
authors: Stefanaki
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Georgiou
authors: G C
authors: GC
authors: Themelis
authors: E M
authors: EM
authors: Vazgiouraki
authors: A D
authors: AD
authors: Tosca
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003218:Condylomata Acuminata / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010409:Penile Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D011524:Protoporphyrins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011524:Protoporphyrins; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid; C028025:protoporphyrin IX