RATIONALE

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in fair-skinned populations. Overall, strategies focus on modifiable risk factors such as reducing ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure through physical, topical or systemic protection. Currently, data on knowledge, attitude and practices of Filipino patients on UV index in relation to sun protection is unavailable.

The objective of this study is to improve sunscreen use among patients seen in a tertiary hospital in Manila, specifically after UV index education.

The study will be conducted among patients at the outpatient department of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Department of Dermatology, after UV index education. Patients who will be included are aged 18 to 65 years old, belonging to both sexes and able to understand English or Filipino. The exclusion criteria includes children, elderly greater than the age of 65, prisoners, mentally handicapped or those with incurable diseases.

3 weeks 

The outcome is the improvement in sunscreen use among patients seen in a tertiary hospital in Manila, specifically after UV index education.

BACKGROUND

Acne patients often use medications, either over the counter or prescribed by dermatologists, to manage their condition. Dermatologists frequently include sunscreens as part of these treatment plans alongside acne medications. This research aims to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sunscreen use among respondents who are confirmed acne patients and have been prescribed sunscre-en as part of their treatment regimen.

This research examines the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices of acne patients regarding sunscreen use as part of their acne t reatment regimen, considering demographic factors. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the respondents will be compared across different age groups, genders, and employment statuses.

This study purposefully collected data from patients with active acne on the use of sunscreens alongside acne medications. The sample included males and females aged 18-27, 28-40, and 40+ residing in either the National Capital Region or the CALABARZON Region, with 105 respondents in each group. Data was gathered using a validated Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) questionnaire, consisting of 30 questions that had undergone reliability testing via Cronbach's alpha. Responses were recorded on a 3-point Likert scale to model the interaction of KAP variables. The research material was distributed through Google Forms in June 2024. Data analysis was conducted using R, specifically the psych package, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to compare groups, determining if significant differences existed among them. This test was incorporated within RStudio.

Findings indicated that respondents generally demonstrated a high level of understanding regarding the importance of sunscreen when used alongside acne treatments, particularly acknowledging its role in preventing acne scarring and reducing skin sensitivity caused by treatment products. Additionally, attitudes toward sunscreen use were largely positive, with respondents rejecting common misconceptions about sunscreen. However, actual sunscreen application practices were moderate, with adherence levels varying across the sample. Significant differences in sunscreen use were observed based on employment status, gender, and age.

Acne patients in this study had a high level of knowledge and a positive attitude on the use of sunscreen together with their acne medications. consistency in sunscreen application was moderate. unemployed respondents were more receptive to external influences regarding sunscreen use. Female respondents were more informed and proactive than male respondents. Younger respondents were more influenced by social networks. This research highlights the need for continued education on the benefits of sunscreen use to be able to achieve an effective acne vulgaris management.

Metal ion-promoted chemodynamic therapy(CDT) combined with photodynamic therapy(PDT) offers broad application prospects for enhancing anti-tumor effects. In this study, glycyrrhizic acid(GA), copper ions(Cu~(2+)), and norcantharidin(NCTD) were co-assembled to successfully prepare a natural small-molecule, carrier-free hydrogel(NCTD Gel) with excellent material properties. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, NCTD Gel responded to the tumor microenvironment(TME) and acted as an efficient Fenton reagent and photosensitizer, catalyzing the conversion of endogenous hydrogen peroxide(H_2O_2) within the tumor into oxygen(O_2), and hydroxyl radicals(·OH, type Ⅰ reactive oxygen species) and singlet oxygen(~1O_2, type Ⅱ reactive oxygen species), while depleting glutathione(GSH) to stabilize reactive oxygen species and alleviate tumor hypoxia. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that NCTD Gel exhibited significant CDT/PDT synergistic therapeutic effects. Further safety evaluation and metabolic testing confirmed its good biocompatibility and safety. This novel hydrogel is not only simple to prepare, safe, and cost-effective but also holds great potential for clinical transformation, providing insights and references for the research and development of metal ion-mediated hydrogel-based anti-tumor therapies.
Hydrogels/chemistry* ; Animals ; Photochemotherapy ; Humans ; Mice ; Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage* ; Photosensitizing Agents/chemistry* ; Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Female ; Copper/chemistry* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Male

Riboflavin-ultraviolet A (UVA) collagen cross-linking has not only achieved good clinical efficacy in the treatment of corneal diseases such as dilatation keratopathy, bullae keratopathy, infectious keratopathy, and in the combined treatment of corneal refractive surgeries, but also its efficacy and safety in scleral collagen cross-linking have been initially confirmed. To better promote the application of cross-linking in the clinical treatment of corneal and scleral diseases, exploring controllability and predictability of the surgical efficacy are both important for evaluating the surgical efficacy and personalized precision treatment. In this paper, the progress on the cross-linking depth of riboflavin-UVA collagen cross-linking, and its relationship with the cross-linking effect will be reviewed. It will provide the reference for further application of this procedure in ophthalmology clinics.
Riboflavin/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Collagen/radiation effects* ; Ultraviolet Rays ; Cross-Linking Reagents ; Corneal Diseases/drug therapy* ; Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use*

Research in photodynamic therapy (PDT) primarily focuses on enhancing light penetration depth, improving oxygen supply, and optimizing photosensitizer delivery. Notably, the delivery efficiency of the photosensitizer is crucial for therapeutic efficacy. Carboxyl-substituted phthalocyanines, as important photosensitizing molecules, possess unique chemical modification sites that enable direct targeted delivery or integration into diverse delivery systems. Their synthesis predominantly employs mixed- or cross-condensation, selective synthesis, and axial modification strategies to introduce carboxyl groups. However, their inherent hydrophobicity significantly hinders effective delivery. To address this limitation, modifications with peptides or quaternary ammonium salt derivatives may facilitate precise delivery to tumor cells and pathogens. With advances in nanotechnology, carboxyl-substituted phthalocyanines can serve as key photosensitizer modules, effectively integrated into nanomaterials such as biomacromolecules, inorganic metals, and polymers for both active and passive delivery. Recently, researchers have exploited the π-π stacking and other intermolecular forces among carboxyl-substituted phthalocyanine molecules to drive their self-assembly into nano-micelles, enabling carrier-free delivery or co-delivery with other therapeutic agents for synergistic effects. This review systematically outlines the synthesis strategies for carboxyl-substituted phthalo-cyanines. Taking mono-carboxyl-substituted zinc phthalocyanine as a model molecule, the performance of three delivery modalities were compared: single-molecule targeted delivery, nanocarrier-encapsulated delivery, and carrier-free self-assembled delivery, in terms of PDT efficacy, biocompatibility, and imaging-guided tracing capabilities, to provide a systematic technical framework for the rational design of novel modular photosensitizers and to advance the clinical translation of PDT in precision oncology and anti-infective therapy.
Photochemotherapy/methods* ; Indoles/administration & dosage* ; Isoindoles ; Photosensitizing Agents/administration & dosage* ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Humans

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether microneedle pretreatment can significantly improve the efficacy and safety of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of oral leukoplakia. METHODS: A non-randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. Patients with clinical and pathological diagnosis of oral leukoplakia in the Department of Oral Mucosa, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology were divided into experimental group and control group. The control group was treated with conventional ALA-PDT, and the experimental group was pretreated with micro- needle buckling under superficial anesthesia with lidocaine before conventional ALA-PDT. The clinical manifestations of the two groups were recorded, the lesion area was measured, the clinical efficacy was evaluated, the number of treatment sessions and treatment unit duration were analyzed, and the pain after treatment was evaluated by visual analogue scale. The above data of the two groups were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients were included in the experimental group and 19 patients were included in the control group. The complete remission rate of the experimental group and the control group was 45.5% and 36.8%, the partial remission rate was 54.5% and 57.9%, and the no remission rate was 0% and 5%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the treatment effect between the two groups. Meanwhile, the treatment unit duration of the experimental group and the control group were (9.05±5.74) min/cm² and (21.38±15.44) min/cm², respectively, and the number of treatment sessions were (2.36±0.67) times and (3.58±1.57) times, respectively. These differences between the two groups were statistically significant (t=-3.125, P < 0.05; t=-2.932, P < 0.05). Similarly, multiple linear regression analysis with 7 factors including age, dysplastic pathology, lesion classification, etc., also confirmed that pretreatment could significantly shorten the treatment unit duration (P < 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in pain score (visual analogue scale) between the two groups after treatment, and the microneedle puncture pretreatment did not increase the adverse reactions of ALA-PDT treatment. CONCLUSION Microneedle pretreatment followed by conventional ALA-PDT shows a good clinical effect on oral leukoplakia, which can significantly shorten the clinical treatment time, reduce the number of visits, and save medical costs.
Humans ; Photochemotherapy/instrumentation* ; Leukoplakia, Oral/drug therapy* ; Aminolevulinic Acid/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Needles ; Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use* ; Aged ; Combined Modality Therapy

OBJECTIVES: The application of photodynamic therapy in solid tumors has attracted increasing attention in recent years, and the efficiency of photosensitizers is a crucial determinant of therapeutic efficacy. This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of a novel photosensitizer, PEG-MTPABZ-PyC, in photodynamic therapy against gastric cancer cells. METHODS: Gastric cancer MKN45 cells were treated with PEG-MTPABZ-PyC. A high-content live-cell imaging system was used to assess the cellular uptake kinetics and subcellular localization of the photosensitizer. The cytotoxic effects of PEG-MTPABZ-PyC-mediated photodynamic therapy were examined using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry, while the intrinsic cytotoxicity of the photosensitizer alone was verified by the CCK-8 assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation after photodynamic therapy was detected using 2'-7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). RESULTS: PEG-MTPABZ-PyC alone exhibited no cytotoxicity toward MKN45 cells, indicating excellent cytocompatibility. The compound efficiently entered cells within 6 hours and localized predominantly in lysosomes. Upon light irradiation, PEG-MTPABZ-PyC-mediated photodynamic therapy induced significant cytotoxicity compared with the control group (P<0.05) and generated abundant intracellular ROS. CONCLUSIONS The novel photosensitizer PEG-MTPABZ-PyC demonstrates potent photodynamic cytotoxicity against gastric cancer cells, showing promising potential for further development in gastric cancer photodynamic therapy.
Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Photochemotherapy/methods* ; Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Mesoporphyrins/pharmacology*

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), as certain forms of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) or keratinocyte carcinoma, are the most common forms of malignant neoplasms worldwide (Sharp et al., 2024). BCC and cSCC have been identified as two major components of NMSC, comprising one-third of all malignancies (Burton et al., 2016). Generally speaking, patients with NMSC tend to have relatively favorable survival outcomes, while different histopathological subtypes of NMSC exhibit distinct biological behaviors (Stătescu et al., 2023). Keratinocyte carcinoma, although not considered as deadly as melanoma, tends to metastasize if left untreated (Civantos et al., 2023; Nanz et al., 2024). cSCC can evolve locally, then aggressively metastasize, invade, and even lead to fatal consequences in a subset of patients (Winge et al., 2023). A solid, pigmented, smooth plaque or a hyperkeratotic papule with or without central ulceration and hemorrhage appears to be characteristic of cSCC (Thompson et al., 2016; Zhou et al., 2023). Of note, a rare type of intraepidermal cSCC in situ often appears as a velvety, demarcated, slightly raised erythematous plaque on the genitalia of men (Yamaguchi et al., 2016). Accounting for approximately 16.0% of scalp tumors and with a rising incidence, cSCC is now the second most common NMSC in humans (Verdaguer-Faja et al., 2024). According to the latest statistics, up to 2%‒5% of cSCCs in situ may gradually progress into invasive cSCCs in the final step (Rentroia-Pacheco et al., 2023). Several risk factors for the carcinogenesis and development of cSCC have been identified, including age, accumulative exposure to ultraviolet light radiation A and B, human papillomavirus infection, arsenic ingestion, chronic scarring, xeroderma pigmentosa, a relevant history of ionizing radiation, androgenetic alopecia in males, and immunosuppression therapy (Martinez and Otley, 2001; Welsch et al., 2012; Mortaja and Demehri, 2023).
Humans ; Aminolevulinic Acid/therapeutic use* ; Skin Neoplasms/pathology* ; Photochemotherapy/methods* ; Female ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology* ; Middle Aged ; Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use* ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell/drug therapy*

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a prevalent malignancy that afflicts the head and neck area and presents a high incidence of metastasis and invasion. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are essential for enhancing the quality of life and the survival rates of TSCC patients. The current treatment modalities for TSCC frequently suffer from a lack of specificity and efficacy. Nanoparticles with diagnostic and photothermal therapeutic properties may offer a new approach for the targeted therapy of TSCC. However, inadequate accumulation of photosensitizers at the tumor site diminishes the efficacy of photothermal therapy (PTT). This study modified gold nanodots (AuNDs) with the TSCC-targeting peptide HN-1 to improve the selectivity and therapeutic effects of PTT. The Au-HN-1 nanosystem effectively targeted the TSCC cells and was rapidly delivered to the tumor tissues compared to the AuNDs. The enhanced accumulation of photosensitizing agents at tumor sites achieved significant PTT effects in a mouse model of TSCC. Moreover, owing to its stable long-term fluorescence and high X-ray attenuation coefficient, the Au-HN-1 nanosystem can be used for fluorescence and computed tomography imaging of TSCC, rendering it useful for early tumor detection and accurate delineation of surgical margins. In conclusion, Au-HN-1 represents a promising nanomedicine for imaging-based diagnosis and targeted PTT of TSCC.
Tongue Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnostic imaging* ; Animals ; Gold/chemistry* ; Mice ; Photothermal Therapy/methods* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Photosensitizing Agents ; Metal Nanoparticles ; Humans ; Cell Line, Tumor

INTRODUCTION: Since 2016, several therapies have been approved for treating atopic dermatitis (AD) in Singapore, including biologics, oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and topical crisaborole. This study supplements the 2016 Singapore treatment guidelines for AD, focusing on newer therapies for moderate-to-severe disease, while revisiting older treatment regimens to accommodate changes in knowledge and practice. METHOD: A modified Delphi panel was held, led by 2 co-chairs. The voting expert panel consisted of 12 dermatologists experienced in managing AD in Singapore. Delphi survey rounds were conducted between 24 July and 27 October 2023. Panellists indicated their agreement with drafted statements using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement. An expert meeting was held to facilitate the consensus process between rounds 1 and 2 of voting. RESULTS: All expert panellists participated in both survey rounds, with a 100% response rate. Thirty-nine statements, classified into general principles, conventional treatments, biologics and JAK inhibitors, were proposed. Of these, 27 statements reached consensus at the end of round 1. After the expert meeting, 17 statements were included in round 2, of which 16 statements reached consensus. One statement did not reach consensus. Key updates are the inclusion of dupilumab and JAK inhibitors as potential first-line treatments for moderate-to-severe AD, in certain populations. CONCLUSION This modified Delphi study generated consensus among Singapore dermatology experts, to update treatment guidelines in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The consensus statements developed are intended to supplement the 2016 Singapore treatment guidelines for AD. Further revisions may be required when new evidence and/or treatments become available.
Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Singapore ; Janus Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Biological Products/therapeutic use* ; Delphi Technique ; Consensus ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use* ; Severity of Illness Index ; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use* ; Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Pyrimidines/therapeutic use* ; Boron Compounds