Methylaminolaevulinate photodynamic therapy in patients with multiple basal cell carcinomas in the setting of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome or after radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is a therapeutic challenge due to the multiplicity of cutaneous tumours. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly used as an alternative treatment for superficial and in some countries nodular basal cell carcinomas (BCC).

OBJECTIVE: To study the safety and efficiency of PDT in NBCCS.

METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the evolution of 62 lesions from patients with multiple BCC treated with PDT.

RESULTS: The initial response rate (85.4%, 53/62) and recurrence rate (7.5%) appeared comparable to literature values in NBCCS and to those reported in the treatment of sporadic BCC. The clearance rate without recurrence was 79% (49/62), during a mean follow-up period of 13 months. The cosmetic outcome was excellent. Recurrences were found almost 2 years after treatment.

CONCLUSION: PDT is a suitable therapeutic option in the management of NBCCS patients but requires a strict and long follow-up.