Photodynamic therapy in superficial basal cell carcinoma treatment.

• Global statistics have shown a progressive increase in the incidence of skin cancer. • Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been shown as a promising innovation for the treatment of skin cancers. • Trials selected here evaluated the effectiveness of different PDT protocols for sBCC. • Randomized clinical trials are required to assess long-term effects of complete therapeutic response provided by PDT. Basal cell cancer (BCC) is an epithelial neoplasm that arises from basal cells, which constitute the lower layer of the epidermis. Global statistics have shown the progressive increase in the incidence of skin cancer in several countries. The cumulative exposure to solar radiation (ultraviolet B) in the first two decades of life represents the critical risk for the disease. Preclinical and clinical trials have shown photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a promising innovation for treatment of skin cancers, especially to the non-melanoma group. The authors reviewed trials with photodynamic therapy in superficial basal cell carcinoma with different photosensitizers to better evaluate how PDT modifies the natural history of sBCC. We conclude trials should not assess only the immediate efficacy but the main goal of long-term effectiveness of the protocols in order to generate best evidence for clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]