Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an emerging treatment
option in the care of actinic keratosis (AK). A self-adhesive 5-ALA patch was recently
developed that allows a precise PDT procedure. Here, we review the current literature
and report the findings of our case series that observed the outcomes and safety of
5-ALA patch PDT. Ten patients with a total of 40 AKs were treated with a single session
of conventional or daylight PDT using 5-ALA patch at the Department of Dermatology
and Venereology, Sapienza University of Rome or at the European Institute of Oncology,
Milan, Italy. Complete response was observed in three patients, while partial response
was seen in seven patients. Overall tolerability was good or excellent, with local
adverse events observed in four patients. This is the first case series reported where
the 5-ALA patch was applied using daylight PDT, and its efficacy and tolerability
in the treatment of AK were demonstrated. In conclusion, the self-adhesive 5-ALA patch
is a convenient application of PDT that provides a well-tolerated and effective treatment
option with satisfactory cosmetic outcomes.
