Newly published study reaffirms the efficacy with Metvix®

8. May 2009

A newly published clinicial study* reaffirms efficacy with Metvix® in treatment for multiple actinic keratoses (AKs).

International Clinical Guidelines recommend photodynamic therapy (PDT) using methyl aminlevulinate (Metvix) as a highly effective first-line treatment for AKs. AK is the most common premalignant skin lesion and can develop into aggressive squamous cell carcinoma. Latest developments in light source technology permit the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with this treatment modality.  

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of PDT using Aktilite® CL128 and Metvix Cream for treatment of multiple AKs. 131 patients with four to 10 non-pigmented, previously untreated thin or moderately thick AKs on the face or scalp were enrolled in this multicenter, doubleblind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Metvix Cream or placebo cream was applied to the debrided lesion surface for 3 hours before illumination with noncoherent red light (630 nm, light dose 37 J/cm2). The treatment regime was repeated after 1 week.

Efficacy was evaluated in 57 patients with 418 lesions treated with Metvix PDT and 58 patients with 414 lesions treated with placebo PDT. Metvix PDT was significantly superior to placebo PDT showing a lesion complete response rate of 83,3%.  Within the Metvix PDT group, complete lesion response rates were generally similar in thin and thicker lesions overall. The complete response rates were also similar for lesions on the face and scalp. The profile of local adverse events with Metvix PDT was consistent with the known tolerability profile of this treatment modality.

The authors conclude in the study that their findings build on the available clinical evidence supporting the use of Metvix PDT as an effective, tolerable, noninvasive treatment in patients with multiple AKs, particularly when cosmesis is an important consideration.

* Szeimies et al.  “Topical Methyl Aminolevulinate Photodynamic Therapy Using Red Light-Emitting Diode Light for Multiple Actinic Keratoses: A Randomized Study”. Dermtol Surg 2009;35:586-592.