Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment With Topical Photodynamic Therapy With Fractionated 5-aminolevulinic Acid 20% Versus Two Stage Methylaminolevulinate

Summary

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Caucasians, and a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) being the most common skin cancer with around 44,000 new tumours per year, and its incidence is still rising. In the past it has been a disease of the elderly patient but as a consequence of recreational sun exposure and tanning beds, more young patients develop a skin cancer as well. There are different subtypes of BCC and most subtypes are treated by surgical excision. Nowadays, non-invasive techniques as photodynamic therapy (PDT) are common practice to treat superficial BCC (sBCC). Because of these techniques treatment by surgical excision can be avoided with the possibility of complications and scar formation. Both 5-aminolevulino acid (5-ALA) and the more lipophilic methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) can be used as a precursor of the photosensitiser. These agents generate an excess of protoporphyrin IX in metabolic active cells, which are illuminated by a specific light source leading to release of reactive oxygen radicals in tissue. The result is apoptosis and necrosis of tumour cells. At the moment, two treatment protocols are used in the Netherlands: the fractionated 5-ALA 20% (Fagron) protocol according to de Haas and the MAL (Metvix, Galderma) protocol. Because MAL was first marketed and registered as a treatment option for premalignant and superficial malignancies most hospitals in the Netherlands use this topical agent. However, there is no evidence which of the 2 agents is more (cost-)effective and/ or preferred by patients.

Objective: to determine which treatment is the most effective treatment in terms of prevention of treatment failure, cost saving and patients preference when comparing fractionated 5-ALA 20% PDT versus MAL PDT in 2 treatment sessions.

Conditions

• Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma

Interventions

DRUG

Methylaminolevulinate PDT in 2 sessions

The methylaminolevulinate creme is applied to the tumour with a margin of 1 cm, ± 1-2 mm thick. Tegaderm®, a gauze and tinfoil is placed over the area to prevent contact with UV light. After 4 hours the area is illuminated with Aktilite (632 nm, 570-670 nm, 75 J/cm2). The light intensity at the lesion surface should not exceed 200 mW/cm2. During illumination a fan is used to cool the treatment site. After the first treatment the skin area is covered to prevent exposure to daylight during 48 hours. After one week (on day 8), the same procedure is repeated. After the treatment the skin area is covered to prevent exposure to daylight during 48 hours. A side-effect of the treatment is a burning pain during illumination and slight erythema afterwards lasting a few days. Sometimes blistering occurs.

DRUG

Fractionated 5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride 20% gel PDT

The 5-ALA HCl 20% gel is applied to the tumour with a margin of 1 cm, ± 1-2 mm thick. Tegaderm®, a gauze and tinfoil is placed over the area to prevent contact with UV light. After 4 hours the area is illuminated with Aktilite (632 nm). During illumination a fan is used to cool the treatment site. The treatment site is covered again with Tegaderm for 2 hours after first treatment, whereupon a second illumination with the same light takes place. A side-effect of the treatment is a burning pain during illumination and slight erythema afterwards lasting a few days. Sometimes blistering occurs. Patients are advised to avoid direct sunlight two days after treatment.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Erasmus Medical Center

  collaborator OTHER

• VieCuri Medical Centre

  collaborator OTHER

• Maastricht University Medical Center

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2013-08-31

Primary Completion

2015-04-30

Completion

2015-04-30

Countries

• Netherlands

Study Locations