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Updated guidelines for topical photodynamic therapy

An update of the current guidelines for topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been prepared on behalf of the British Association of Dermatologists Therapy Guidelines and Audit Subcommittee and the British Photodermatology Group. These guidelines follow the finding that PDT is highly effective for the management of actinic keratoses, Bowen's disease and superficial basal cell carcinoma and shows beneficial effects in thin nodular basal cell carcinoma, but is not effective in squamous cell carcinoma. Moreover, several studies have shown that PDT reduces the development of new lesions in patients at high risk of skin cancer and is potentially effective in many inflammatory/infective dermatoses; however, there is not enough evidence to support its use ...