Photodynamic-Therapy By TPPS Topical Application And Dye-Laser In Basal Cell Carcinoma

Since February 1987 to March 1988, 118 biopsy proven basal cell carcinoma were treated in 22 patients at the National Cancer Institute in Milan. The treatment consisted in the tumor photosensitization by topical administration of Tetraphenyl-porfinesulphonate (TPPS) onto the tumor surface, and red light exposure. The irradiation was performed by an Argon-pumped dye laser at 650 nm. The persistence of the lesions was noted in 4% of the cases. 13% of the cases recurred after 4 months. 35% of these recurrences were at the periphery of the irradiated area, and a second, treatment gave complete tumor regression. Important complications did not occurred; only in 3 cases a moderate skin distrophy resulted.