A Randomized Split-Face Clinical Trial of Photodynamic Therapy with Methyl Aminolevulinate versus Ingenol Mebutate Gel for the Treatment of Multiple Actinic Keratoses of the Face and Scalp.

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate (MAL-PDT) and ingenol mebutate gel (IMB) are approved therapeutic options for multiple actinic keratoses (AKs).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this intraindividual, split-face, randomized clinical trial was to compare treatment outcomes of MAL-PDT and IMB.

METHODS

Two symmetrical contralateral areas with a similar number of AKs were selected and randomly assigned to 3 days of an IMB treatment cycle or a single session of MAL-PDT. The next day, the local skin reaction (LSR) score was registered. The patients scored pain and time to healing of the treatment area.

RESULTS

After 90 days, the complete remission rate of lesions, the number of patients with complete remission of all lesions, cosmetic outcome, and patient preference were assessed.

CONCLUSION

According to our results, IMB and MAL-PDT had a similar efficacy, but the cosmetic outcome was superior with MAL-PDT. Pain was higher with PDT, but LSR was more severe and time to healing was longer with IMB. Patients preferred MAL-PDT.