The Devonshire Clinic’s latest contribution to research into skin cancer treatment
It is with great pleasure that we would like to share with you our latest contribution to research into skin cancer treatment. These findings are the result of 10 years of research led by Dr Conal Perrett, Consultant Dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic.
This paper, published in the latest edition of Dermatologic Surgery, details a retrospective study of the sequential treatment of a type of skin cancer known as superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). BCC, according to the British Skin Foundation (2018) is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for over 80% of cases. Research into the treatment of this type of cancer is therefore important. Superficial BCCs are characterized by their appearance; often a flat, scaly, red mark on the skin (British Skin Foundation ,2018). As a result of their superficial nature, an sBCC does not penetrate as deep into the skin and is, therefore, well suited for Topical Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) as opposed to other, more aggressive forms of BCC.
The individual positive effects of PDT and imiquimod 5% cream on sBCC have been well established. In this paper, Dr Conal Perrett, Dr Ian Logan and Dr Elizabeth Kulakov explored the sequential use of MAL-PDT and imiquimod 5% cream, recording the efficacy, tolerability and cosmetic outcome of the treatment.
Patients with primacy sBCC underwent 2 cycles of topical MAL-PDT followed by 6 weeks of imiquimod 5% cream. This method of treatment was found to be highly effective with long term recurrence occurring in only 10% of patients studied. Additionally, treatment was tolerated well by patients and had positive cosmetic outcomes.
We are delighted to see our Consultant Dermatologists at The Devonshire Clinic at the forefront of skin cancer research, with the sole aim of improving outcomes for skin cancer patients.
References: