Treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma with photodynamic therapy. Observational study in 22 patients with 5-aminolaevulinic acid and methyl aminolaevulinate.

Background: There is limited literature on efficacy in 5-aminolaevulinic acid (BF-200 ALA) and methyl-5-aminolaevulinate (MAL) for superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC).

Aims: To investigate the efficacy and safety of PDT in sBCC.

Methods: Analytical observational study between January 2014 and January 2017. Follow-up at 12, 24 and 52 weeks. Lesions were treated with one BF-200 ALA-PDT or MAL-PDT cycle of two sessions in one week. A second treatment cycle, with the same photosensitizer precursor, was performed in cases of clinical persistence at 12 weeks.

Results: A total of 22 patients (30 lesions) were enrolled in the study. By sex, 13 men and 9 women. Average age of 72,14 years. In the 12-month follow-up 15/16 lesions were resolved (93,75%) after one or two BF-200 ALA-PDT cycle and 7/14 lesions (50%) after one or two MAL-PDT cycles. In most patients, tolerance to the therapy was good or regular, with no differences between the two groups. No long-term adverse effects were reported.

Limitations: The observational nature and the low number of patients.

Conclusion: PDT is a safe and non-invasive treatment option in sBCC. Our results suggest a better response with BF-200 ALA-PDT over MAL-PDT, at 12 months of follow-up.