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Photodynamic Therapy by Topical meso-Tetraphenylporphinesulfonate Tetrasodium Salt Administration in Superficial Basal Cell Carcinomas¹

Department of Diagnostic Oncology and Outpatient Clinic [O. S., G. B., P. L., G. D.], Department of Health Physics [E. M., R. M.], and Department of Experimental Oncology B, [F. Z.], Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Milan, Italy

The efficacy of an originally developed photodynamic approach, using topical administration of tetraphenylporphinesulfonate as the photosensitizer, was evaluated in a series of 292 basal cell carcinoma lesions (<2-mm thick) in 50 treated patients. The lack of indication for conventional therapies was the main selection criterion. The photosensitizing agent (2% solution) was topically applied at 0.1 ml/cm², followed by light irradiation with a dye laser emitting at 645 nm (120 or 150 J/cm²). After initial treatment, all lesions responded, with 273 (93.5%) complete responses. Recurrences were observed in 29 (10.6%). A second application of photoradiation was performed in 15 persistent lesions and 11 relapsed lesions, producing 19/26 complete responses. Our results suggest that this technique can be considered a promising alternative treatment modality in selected cases of superficial basal cell carcinomas.

¹ Supported in part by Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche grant 88.00910.44.

² To whom requests for reprints should be addressed, at Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milano, Italy.

Received 7/ 5/89. Revised 3/ 6/90.