Portable PDT device could allow for at-home basal cell carcinoma treatment

A portable photodynamic therapy device for at-home treatment of basal cell carcinoma was shown to be efficacious in a pilot study presented at the EADV virtual congress.

“Several studies have proved the efficacy of photodynamic therapy for low-risk basal cell carcinoma,” Ana Gabriela Salvio, PhD, of the skin department at Amaral Carvalho Cancer Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, said in her presentation. “Although it is a well-tolerated treatment, the pain and the long stay at hospital area during PDT treatment must be improved, especially considering the pandemic times.”

The pilot study included 15 basal cell carcinoma patients who each received the first photodynamic therapy device (PDT) session in the hospital. This entailed application of a 20% methyl aminolevulinate hydrochloride cream, covering the area for 3 hours, and an illumination using an LED device for 20 minutes. Following the first illumination, a layer of cream was applied and the PDT, which is approximately the size of a coin, was adhered to the skin.

At home, patients were advised to turn on the PDT after 1.5 hours and turn it off after 2 hours.

Complete lesion clearance at 30 days was recorded in 86.67% of subjects.

Pain scores were recorded every 3 minutes during the hospital portion and every 20 minutes during the at-home portion of treatment and were significantly lower for the at-home PDT treatments.

“We know PDT treatment is painful,” Salvio told Healio. “We could improve pain using this portable device without compromising the efficacy.”

Researchers have begun a randomized clinical trial to further test the efficacy and safety of the device.