The evolving role of aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride with photodynamic therapy in photoaging.

The safety and efficacy of treating individuals who presented with multiple actinic keratosis (AK) lesions with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) were documented in a phase III trial. This report highlights results of this phase III trial and reviews 2 specific case studies treated with ALA/PDT who presented with both multiple nonhyperkeratotic AK lesions and moderate-to-severe photodamage. Treatment consisted of a 2-step process performed by the investigator. In addition to the pretreatment evaluation, each subject was evaluated at 1- and 2-month intervals after each treatment of ALA/PDT. Clinical findings reveal complete healing at the site of ALA/PDT without scarring or changes in pigmentation, as well as significant changes in signs of photodamage, such as improvement in skin elasticity and reduction in skin thickening.