Treating AKs with methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT) is also being investigated. In a multicenter study conducted in Scandinavia, 120 patients with 1,572 AKs underwent MAL-PDT followed by immediate exposure to the sun for 1.5-2.5 hours (Br. J. Dermatol. 2011;164:1083-90). At 3 months, 75%-77% of the lesions had cleared. This approach "has an advantage for the health care provider in that no equipment is needed," Dr. Rosen said. "The advantage for the patient is that the therapy is nearly pain free."
Dr. Rosen disclosed that he is a consultant and a member of the speakers bureau for Medicis, which makes imiquimod. He is also a consultant for LEO Pharma.
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