Application of photodynamic therapy with the use of superluminescent light-emitting diode (sLED) lamp in actinic keratosis

Introduction. Actinic keratosis is a chronic disease that often requires many treatment cycles. The choice of a treatment method depends on the thickness and number of lesions as well as their extent. An efficient method of treatment, especially in the case of superficial and moderately thick lesions, is photodynamic therapy. Objective. Assessment of the photodynamic therapy with the use of a superluminescent light-emitting diode lamp after previous application of 5-aminolevulinic acid based on the observations of selected cases of patients with actinic keratosis. Material and methods. The study included patients diagnosed with actinic keratosis. After debridement of scales and crusts from the affected skin area 16% 5-aminolevulinic acid cream was applied. The irradiation was performed with the use of the superluminescent light-emitting diode matrix illuminator Medlight that sent out pulsed red light. The clinical evaluation was carried out before, immediately after the procedure as well as after 1 and 3 weeks. Results. In one case, after many years of ineffective treatment with a cryosurgery, the treatment with application of superluminescent light-emitting diode therapy lead to disease remission. In the second case early therapy with the superluminescent light-emitting diode lamp lead to complete resolution of lesions. In the case of a patient with disseminated actinic keratosis, lesion-directed therapy was possible. Conclusions. Observation results indicate a beneficial effect of superluminescent light-emitting diodes and no recurrence of actinic keratosis lesions in 3 months after the procedure.