title: Laser-Assisted Drug Delivery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) is an evolving new therapy with many possible applications as a highly targeted customizable method for distribution of drugs within the skin. LADD offers the advantages of accessibility, noninvasiveness, compliance, safety, and effectiveness.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the available literature regarding LADD.
  
  
  METHODS
  A MEDLINE search was performed on LADD from 1989 to 2015, and the results are summarized. Practical applications of these procedures are also discussed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reports of the use of ablative, nonablative, and fractional lasers as a means to increase cutaneous permeation of the topical application of medications and cosmeceuticals were found. The focus of the review was to demonstrate the variety of topical treatments that have been used with the LADD method and the multitude of future studies needed to fully characterize the best application of this evolving technology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The most comprehensive review in the literature to date on LADD is provided. Further studies are needed to fully evaluate the safety, dosing, side effects, and results.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California; †Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, San Diego, California.
authors.forename: Lisa Ann
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Zaleski-Larsen
authors.forename: Sabrina G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Fabi
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000906:Antibodies / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003521:Cyclopropanes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008914:Minoxidil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010539:Permeability; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011091:Polyesters / Q000008:administration & dosage; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*; D013999:Timolol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014612:Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000700:Analgesics; D000906:Antibodies; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011091:Polyesters; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D014612:Vaccines; C033616:poly(lactide); D008914:Minoxidil; D013999:Timolol; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid; C029402:diphenylcyclopropenone; D000077271:Imiquimod; D001205:Ascorbic Acid; D005472:Fluorouracil; D008727:Methotrexate