Light patch: preliminary report of a novel form of blue light delivery for the treatment of actinic keratosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a novel light patch formulated for blue light delivery and topical activation of gamma-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) during photodynamic therapy for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten volunteers with past unsuccessful treatment of AK were enrolled. Areas with AK lesions were treated with 20% ALA (Levulan) for an incubation period of 1 hour. Half of the area was treated with blue light patches (the patch emits 431 to 515 nm wavelength, 55.6 mJ/cm2 over 20 minutes), and the other half was left uncovered (control). The percentage of visible AK lesions cleared at the 3-month follow-up determined therapeutic efficacy.

RESULTS: The mean lesion count for all treatment areas was decreased from 7.60 to 2.40 (p<.01). The subjects had slight burning or itching and mild to moderate erythema. One subject developed a blister at the treatment site. Controls had clearance of 30%, 17%, and 20% for the face, scalp, and hands, respectively. Patients were satisfied with the results and noticed an improvement in skin texture.

CONCLUSION: Preliminary results show that the blue light patch is a potentially safe, effective, and alternative method for light delivery and topical ALA activation during photodynamic therapy of AK.