BACKGROUND

Surgical treatments are the first-line therapy for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, for patients who are not candidates for surgery, non-surgical options, such as pulsed dye laser (PDL), may be considered.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to review the existing literature on the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of PDL in the treatment of BCC.

METHODOLOGY

A systematic review and meta-analysis of PDL for BCC were conducted. The primary outcomes assessed were clearance and recurrence rates. The secondary outcome was the incidence of adverse events.

RESULTS

The review included 11 studies (4 randomized controlled trials, 6 cohort studies, and 1 case series) comprising a total of 204 patients and 295 BCCs. Most BCCs were low-risk histologically and predominantly located on low-risk areas. The meta-analysis revealed an overall clearance rate of 69% and a recurrence rate of 32%, with follow-up periods ranging from 1 to 72 months. However, there was substantial and statistically significant heterogeneity across all studies. The most frequently reported adverse effects included pigmentary changes, primarily hypopigmentation, and varying degrees of scarring.

CONCLUSION

PDL is a safe and tolerable option for treating BCC, though it is not recommended as a sole treatment due to the higher clearance rates and lower recurrence rates associated with other modalities. PDL may be considered an alternative for non-surgical candidates with small or superficial BCCs. Further research is needed to establish standardized parameters for its use in BCC treatment.

Human ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Lasers ; Tumors ; Neoplasms

BACKGROUND

Striae distensae are common disfiguring atrophic dermal scars. Fractonal lasers have been utilized to improve the appearance of this condition.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and safety of picosecond fractional 1064-nm Nd:YAG (PS Nd:YAG) laser versus fractional 10,600-nm Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser in treating abdominal striae alba (SA).

METHODS

Thirty-two women with Fitzpatrick skin types III-V and abdominal SA participated in a split-abdomen study, receiving four sessions of fractional PS Nd:YAG and CO2 laser treatments on each side at four-week intervals. Striae texture, atrophy, clinical improvement, and satisfaction were assessed for each side at one and three months, with striae length and width compared pre- and post-treatment. Adverse reactions were noted at each visit.

RESULTS

Abdomen treated with both lasers had significantly improved skin texture, atrophy and clinical improvements (assessed by physicians and patients) at both follow-ups (p < 0.05), with no difference between the two. Striae length and width did not change significantly (p = 0.203 and p = 0.558). Patients reported greater improvement on the CO2-treated side at 1 month, but not at the final follow-up. High satisfaction was noted for both lasers. Adverse reactions noted after both lasers include erythema, edema, crusting/scaling, pruritus, pain and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The PS Nd:YAG laser was associated with greater pain (p < 0.05), but shorter healing time of 10.26 days.

CONCLUSION

Both fractional PS Nd:YAG and CO2 lasers were effective, well-tolerated and safe treatment options for SA.

Lasers ; Striae Distensae