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Arch Dermatol. 2004;140:116-120.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the activation of a photosensitizing drug by visible light to produce reactive oxygen species within target cells, resulting in their destruction. Systemic photosensitization and endoscopic light delivery has permitted the treatment of many hollow organ tumors by PDT, including those in the esophagus, stomach, bronchus, and bladder, curing early superficial disease and palliating late disease.¹ Several countries now have approved systemic PDT for these indications. Ease of light delivery to the skin makes PDT an attractive potential therapy for dermatologic conditions. Moreover, the development of topically active agents for PDT avoids the generalized photosensitivity that follows systemic photosensitizer use.

So how good is PDT for skin cancer and, true to our tradition for experimentation with new therapies, can we identify other applications in dermatology? Four studies in this issue of the ARCHIVES describe the successful use of PDT in the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

PDT—PRECISELY DIRECTED THERAPY?

The . . . [Full Text of this Article]

HOW GOOD IS PDT FOR SKIN CANCER?

. . . AND A THERAPY FOR PHOTOAGING AS WELL?

SURGERY VS PDT IN BCC

A ROLE FOR SYSTEMIC PDT IN DERMATOLOGY?

PDT—NO PAIN, NO GAIN?

PDT—WHERE NEXT?
Colin A. Morton, MBChB, MD, FRCP(UK)
Department of Dermatology
Falkirk Royal Infirmary
Falkirk FK1 5QE, Scotland
(e-mail: colin.morton@fvah.scot.nhs.uk)

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