Psoralen cream plus ultraviolet A photochemotherapy (PUVA cream): our experience.
BACKGROUND
Psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) bath photochemotherapy has been proved highly effective in the treatment of various dermatoses without potential side-effects of systemic therapy. Another form of topical PUVA therapy (PUVA cream) without the logistical requirements for bath tubs has recently been developed.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to develop preparation and treatment standards to PUVA cream and to confirm its clinical efficacy in the treatment of various dermatoses.


METHODS
In the first phase, the safety of a novel cream containing 0.002% 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) was determined in six healthy volunteers. In a second phase, 40 patients with different dermatoses were treated with a minor concentration (0.001% 8-MOP), following the guidelines for topical PUVA of the British Photodermatology Group.


RESULTS
Plasma levels of psoralen after the application of the novel cream containing 0.002% 8-MOP, were less than 34 ng/mL, the maximum 8-MOP concentration reported for topical PUVA. With a minor concentration (0.001% 8-MOP), important improvement or healing was found in 53.3% of the cycles, generally with a good response since the first month of treatment. Only mild side-effects were detected in 14 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on our data, PUVA cream photochemotherapy is well accepted by patients and may be a highly effective treatment even if previous therapy was unsuccessful. In addition, PUVA cream is easier to use than PUVA bath.
Pozo-Román
T
T
Service of Dermatology, Hospital Del Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain. tpozor@meditex.es
González-López
A
A
Velasco-Vaquero
M E
ME
Núñez-Cabezón
M
M
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008730:Methoxsalen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D012016:Reference Values; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008730:Methoxsalen