title: Spotlighting the role of photodynamic therapy in cutaneous malignancy: an update and expansion.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an option for the treatment of cutaneous malignancy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To present an update and expansion on a previous review of the use of PDT in the current literature in the treatment of actinic keratoses (AK), superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma (sBCC, nBCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Bowen's disease, cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), malignant melanoma, and its use in chemoprevention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Extensive PubMed search January 2013.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We find sufficient evidence to recommend the use of PDT in certain patients in the treatment of AK, Bowen's disease, sBCC, and nBCC. It is especially useful in those with contraindications to surgery, widespread areas of involvement, and large lesions. Not only can it be considered superior to other therapies as far as recovery time, tolerance, and cosmetic outcomes, but it also should be considered, when indicated, as first-line treatment in the above conditions. Investigations continue for the use of PDT in the treatment of melanoma, SCC, chemoprevention, and CTCL.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Basil
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cherpelis
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lien
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fenske
mesh_terms: D001913:Bowen's Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D016410:Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / Q000188:drug therapy; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000096142:Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma