title: [Photodynamic therapy in dermatology].
abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic modality based on the photooxidation of biological materials induced by a photosensitizer, which selectively locates itself in certain tumorous cells or tissues, so that when illuminated by a light of the right length and at a sufficient dose, these cells are destroyed. In dermatology, PDT with topical 5-aminolevulinic acid or 5-methyl aminolevulinate is very effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinomas and Bowen's disease. In addition, very promising results have been obtained in inflammatory pathologies like morphea or sarcoidosis, infections like warts, and cosmetic processes such as photoaging, among others. This article reviews the most significant aspects of PDT in dermatology. First of all, we will review the basic fundamentals of photodynamic treatment. Next, we will outline its clinical applications in dermatology, both in oncological applications and all those dermatological processes in which PDT may play a role in their management. We will also discuss its promising cosmetic application in the treatment of photoaging. We will complete the review with photodiagnosis and the different non-invasive ways to monitor the effectiveness of PDT.
authors.affiliation: Sección de Dermatología, Hospital San Jorge, Huesca, Spain. ygilberte@salud.aragon.es
authors.forename: Yolanda
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gilaberte
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Serra-Guillén
authors.forename: María Elena
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: de las Heras
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ruiz-Rodríguez
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fernández-Lorente
authors.forename: Cristiane
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Benvenuto-Andrade
authors.forename: Salvador
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: González-Rodríguez
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Guillén-Barona
mesh_terms: D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004954:Esthetics; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D010777:Photochemistry; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000188:drug therapy; D012060:Rejuvenation; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012874:Skin Diseases, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid