Aminolevulinic acid and photodynamic combination therapy in the treatment of actinic keratoses: caring for the patient

Abstract

Combination therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid and photodynamic therapy is fast becoming the treatment of choice in treating precancerous skin lesions such as actinic keratoses. Judicious care is recommended in treating the patient prior to, during, and after treatment to ensure optimal results while avoiding misunderstandings, and potentially troublesome adverse effects. The biologic mechanism involved with 5-aminolevulinic acid and photodynamic therapy, as well as the patient care recommended prior to and throughout the therapy, are outlined.