title: Photodynamic therapy for superficial basal cell carcinoma and Bowen's disease.
abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective treatment for superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCCs) and Bowen's disease. Several studies have reported complete response rates of 80-95% and an excellent cosmetic outcome. Bowen's disease and superficial basal cell carcinomas characteristically affect older patients who may also have associated difficulties with mobility. Using a portable PDT light source we were able to deliver PDT in a community setting with the aim of providing a more convenient service for patients. This randomised study confirmed that community delivered PDT is a viable treatment option and can be administered safely in the community by a trained dermatology nurse. The results from patient questionnaires suggest that community delivered PDT is more convenient to the patient, and also cost effective.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Lancaster Royal Infirmary, UK. Tim.Clayton@leedsth.nhs.uk
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Clayton
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tait
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Whitehurst
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Yates
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001913:Bowen's Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology