title: Photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate for atypial carcinoma in situ of the penis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been investigated as an alternative treatment for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ (CIS), also known as Bowen's disease. Atypia of the squamous epithelium is graded, with the most severe atypia being equivalent to CIS. CIS on the penis is regarded as a premalignant condition and is seen either in isolation or in conjunction with carcinoma of the penis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A group of 10 patients with atypia/CIS were treated with PDT between December 2002 and April 2005. The group consisted of five patients with primary lesions and five with atypia after an organ-preserving operation for carcinoma of the penis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight patients were treated once, one twice and one six times. When complete remission was not achieved, a biopsy was taken for diagnosis. Three of the 10 patients had histopathological residual disease after a median follow-up period of 20 months (range 15-36 months). The first week after treatment could be painful but the cosmetic results were excellent. There was almost no loss of substance or fibrosis in the treated area, and sensitivity was restored to normal after approximately 1 month.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In our experience, PDT for CIS seems to be a promising treatment modality with regard to cancer control, organ preservation, cosmetics and functional results. As with laser therapy of these lesions, careful follow-up is mandatory. Larger studies are needed and are planned.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Oncology, Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet Medical Center, Oslo, Norway. karol.axcrona@radiumhospitalet.no
authors.forename: Karol
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Axcrona
authors.forename: Bjørn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Brennhovd
authors.forename: Glenny Cecilie
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Alfsen
authors.forename: Karl-Erik
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Giercksky
authors.forename: Trond
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Warloe
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D001913:Bowen's Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010412:Penile Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; C475457:methyl 5-aminolevulinate; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid