5-aminolevulinic acid based photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma: a 10-years follow-up study

This article presents long-term follow-up after use of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) for basal cell carcinoma. PDT is treatment option for different tumors, involving use of specific agent which is activated by visible light and results in tissue destruction. Overall 20 patients with 29 tumors were treated at the Latvian Oncology Center. Two illumination techniques were used: superficial for smaller lesions and multifiber contact for nodular tumors. Clinical outcome was evaluated at 1, 7, 44 months and 10 years after procedure. By 10 year follow up, there were 2 tumor recurrences and in one case there was tumor residual tissue after first PDT treatment. Overall after ten years follow-up complete response was 80% of cases. Data in this study supports hypothesis that PDT could be used for the treatment of non-invasive (superficial and nodular) basal cell carcinoma. Results in this study correspond with similar long-term follow-up studies.