Photodynamic therapy using 5-aminolaevulinic acid for the treatment of dysplasia in Barrett's oesophagus.
BACKGROUND
5-Aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) is the naturally occurring metabolic precursor of an endogenously formed photosensitiser, protoporphyrin IX. It is used topically to treat benign and malignant skin disorders by a process called photodynamic therapy (PDT). Recently, data are emerging on its systemic use in the treatment of dysplasia in Barrett's oesophagus.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the use of ALA-PDT for the treatment of dysplasia and early cancer in Barrett's oesophagus.


METHODS
A systematic literature review and synopsis is given.


CONCLUSIONS
ALA is an attractive alternative to the currently approved photosensitiser (porfimer sodium) due to its oral route of administration, shorter generalised skin photosensitivity period and lower rate of stricture formation. The studies presented demonstrate that ALA-PDT is both safe and effective for the treatment of dysplasia and early cancer in Barrett's oesophagus.
Dunn
Jason
J
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, National Medical Laser Centre, 67 - 73 Riding House Street, London W1P 7NN, UK.
Lovat
Laurence
L
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D000818:Animals; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid