Calcipotriol as a daylight photodynamic therapy enhancer: a case-control study

Benedetta Sonego; Enrico Zelin; Serena Bonin; Tommaso Pozzebon; Giulia Bazzacco; Andrea Corio; Marina Agozzino; Dante Raffaele Caro Caposieno; Iris Zalaudek; Nicola di Meo

doi:10.4081/dr.2024.10077

Authors

Benedetta Sonego
benedetta.sonego@gmail.com
Dermatology Clinic, Maggiore Hospital, University of Trieste, Italy. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6892-1445
Enrico Zelin Institute of Dermatology, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9276-3627
Serena Bonin Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy.
Tommaso Pozzebon Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy.
Giulia Bazzacco Dermatology Clinic, Maggiore Hospital, University of Trieste, Italy. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8135-7025
Andrea Corio Dermatology Clinic, Maggiore Hospital, University of Trieste, Italy. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7296-4583
Marina Agozzino Dermatology Clinic, Maggiore Hospital, University of Trieste, Italy. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3753-1724
Dante Raffaele Caro Caposieno Dermatology Clinic, Maggiore Hospital, University of Trieste, Italy.
Iris Zalaudek Dermatology Clinic, Maggiore Hospital, University of Trieste, Italy. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7878-4955
Nicola di Meo Dermatology Clinic, Maggiore Hospital, University of Trieste, Italy.

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common skin lesions found on sun-exposed areas and are considered potential precursors to squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). This observational case-control study evaluates the efficacy of combining traditional daylight photodynamic therapy (DL-PDT) with pre-treatment using 0.005% calcipotriol (CAL) ointment. Twenty immunocompetent male patients with grade I-II AKs on the scalp and/or face were randomized into two groups: the case group received a 14-day pretreatment with CAL ointment before DL-PDT, while the control group used a moisturizing cream. Both groups underwent a series of three DL-PDT sessions. The study utilized the Actinic Keratosis Area Severity Index (AKASI) scoring system to measure the actinic damage at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment. Results showed a significant reduction in AKASI scores in the CAL group compared to controls, indicating that CAL pretreatment enhances the efficacy of DL-PDT. This combination treatment was well tolerated, with minimal discomfort reported. The findings suggest that incorporating CAL into the treatment regimen can improve the clearance of AKs and potentially prevent their progression to SCCs.

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Sonego, B., Zelin, E., Bonin, S., Pozzebon, T., Bazzacco, G., Corio, A., Agozzino, M., Caro Caposieno, D. R., Zalaudek, I., & di Meo, N. (2024). Calcipotriol as a daylight photodynamic therapy enhancer: a case-control study. Dermatology Reports. https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2024.10077