Efficacy and Safety of Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Actinic Keratoses: A Meta-Analysis Update of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

BACKGROUND Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common and some may evolve into squamous cell carcinoma. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), imiquimod, cryotherapy, and other methods have been reported to have good effects. However, which treatment is the most effective with the best cosmetic results and fewest complications is uncertain. OBJECTIVE To evaluate which method has the best efficacy and cosmetic results with less adverse events and recurrence rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS All relevant articles up to July 31, 2022 were searched from Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed databases. Extract and analyze the data of efficacy, cosmetic results, local reactions, and adverse effects. RESULTS Twenty-nine articles with 3,,850 participants and 24,747 lesions were included. Quality of evidence was generally high. The efficacy of PDT was better in complete response (CR) (lesions CR; risk ratio (RR) 1.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55–1.87/patient CR; RR 3.07; 95% CI 2.07–4.56), overall preference, and cosmetic results. The time cumulative meta-analysis showed that the curative effect was gradually increasing before 2004, and then gradually stabilizing. Two groups showed no statistically significant differences in recurrence. CONCLUSION Compared with other methods, PDT is significantly more effective for AK with excellent cosmetic results and reversible adverse effects.