The photocarcinogenic risk of narrowband UVB (TL-01) phototherapy: early follow-up data.
BACKGROUND
Limited information is available on the carcinogenic risk associated with narrowband TL-01 UVB phototherapy in humans.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the skin cancer incidence in a population treated with TL-01 phototherapy.


METHODS
All TL-01-treated patients were identified from the departmental computerized database. Patients with malignant melanoma (MM), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) were identified by record linkage with the Scottish Cancer Registry. The incidence of each was compared with the normal Scottish population matched for age and sex.


RESULTS
Data were obtained from 1908 patients. The median follow-up duration was 4 years (range 0.04-13). The median cumulative number of TL-01 treatments and dose were 23 (1-199) and 13 337 (30-284 415) mJ cm(-2), respectively. No increased incidence of SCC or MM was observed. Ten patients developed BCC compared with an expected 4.7 in the Scottish population [standardized rate ratio 213 (95% confidence interval 102-391); P < 0.05].


CONCLUSIONS
A small but significant increase of BCC was detected in the TL-01 group. This could be explained by a number of factors, including ascertainment bias. To determine the true carcinogenic risk of TL-01 phototherapy, longer follow-up is essential.
Man
I
I
Photobiology Unit, Department of Dermatology and Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK. iwman@yahoo.com
Crombie
I K
IK
Dawe
R S
RS
Ibbotson
S H
SH
Ferguson
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000209:etiology*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*