Abstract
The combination of light and chemicals to treat skin diseases is widely practiced in dermatology. With this broad use of light and drugs, in recent years the concept of photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged. Photodynamic therapy is promising modality for the management of various tumors and nonmalignant diseases, based on the combination of a photosensitizer that is selectively localized in the target tissue and illumination of the lesion with visible light resulting in photodamage and subsequent cell death. Photodynamic therapy with topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is increasingly employed for skin cancer, yet ALA dosing is crude. Using iontophoresis, we developed a rapid and quantifiable system for topical ALA delivery, with measurement of subsequent PpIX fluorescence and phototoxicity. Iontophoresis could provide a rapid method for delivery of ALA into skin lesions, making prolonged cream application unnecessary.
