Photodynamic therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes a photosensitizer, a light source, and molecular oxygen to selectively destroy cells. In dermatology, the photosensitizers accumulate in non-melanoma skin cancer cells, actinically damaged skin cells and actinic keratoses (AK), and in the pilosebaceous units. This has forged great interest and clinical research towards utilizing PDT for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers, AK and associated photorejuvenation, and inflammatory acne vulgaris. Here, the evidence-based medicine supporting the use of PDT in the USA will be presented, and how we utilize PDT in our clinic will also be discussed. It is hoped that with this knowledge, more and more clinicians will feel comfortable using this therapy, thereby benefitting their patients to an even greater extent.