Cited by 134Photodynamic Therapy Research StudiesNonmelanoma Skin Cancer StudiesAcne and Rosacea Treatments and Effects

Topical PDT in the Treatment of Benign Skin Diseases: Principles and New Applications

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Kim, Miri, Jung, Haw, Park, Hyun·2015·International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a photosensitizer, light energy, and molecular oxygen to cause cell damage. Cells exposed to the photosensitizer are susceptible to destruction upon light absorption because excitation of the photosensitizing agents leads to the production of reactive oxygen species and, subsequently, direct cytotoxicity. Using the intrinsic cellular heme biosynthetic pathway, topical PDT selectively targets abnormal cells, while preserving normal surrounding tissues. This selective cytotoxic effect is the basis for the use of PDT in antitumor treatment. Clinically, PDT is a widely used therapeutic regimen for oncologic skin conditions such as actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, and basal cell carcinoma. PDT has been shown, under certain circumstances, to stimulate the immune system and produce antibacterial, and/or regenerative effects while protecting cell viability. Thus, it may be useful for treating benign skin conditions. An increasing number of studies support the idea that PDT may be effective for treating acne vulgaris and several other inflammatory/infective skin diseases, including psoriasis, rosacea, viral warts, and aging-related changes. This review provides an overview of the clinical investigations of PDT and discusses each of the essential aspects of the sequence: its mechanism of action, common photosensitizers, light sources, and clinical applications in dermatology. Of the numerous clinical trials of PDT in dermatology, this review focuses on those studies that have reported remarkable therapeutic benefits following topical PDT for benign skin conditions such as acne vulgaris, viral warts, and photorejuvenation without causing severe side effects.

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Authors
Kim, M., Jung, H., & Park, H.
Affiliations
The Catholic University of Korea Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital (KR)
Corresponding author
Park, Hyun
Venue
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2015-09-25
Volume
16
Issue
10
Pages
23259-23278
ISSN
1422-0067 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2155002081
Cited by
133
References
96
Citations by year
2026: 11 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 16 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 14 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 1
FWCI
1.77
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • National Research Foundation
  • National Research Foundation of Korea (2012046972)
  • Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (2012046972)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine › Photodynamic Therapy Research Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Acne and Rosacea Treatments and Effects
Keywords
photodynamic therapy, topical photodynamic therapy, benign skin disease, photosensitizers, reactive oxygen species, heme biosynthesis, acne, viral warts, photorejuvenation, psoriasis, rosacea, actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease, basal cell carcinoma, light sources, immunostimulation
MeSH terms
Administration, Cutaneous, Female, Humans, Male, Photochemotherapy, Skin Diseases, Photosensitizing Agents

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