Ten‐year long‐term results following HMME‐PDT therapy for port‐wine stain

Abstract

Abstract Background Hematoporphyrin monomethyl Ether‐mediated photodynamic therapy (HMME‐PDT) is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with port‐wine stain (PWS) and might be an alternative approach for treating PWS. The data of long‐term follow‐up of HMME‐mediated PDT are limited. Objective We aimed to evaluate the current skin lesions of patients who underwent HMME‐PDT 10 years ago, and to compare the pre and post HMME‐PDT response with that at year 10 after this treatment. Method This is a retrospective study of PWS patients treated by HMME‐PDT. HMME‐PDT was carried out by a combination of hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether and 532‐nm continuous wave lasers. Clinical outcomes were graded by clinician‐evaluators based on before and after photographs of the lesion area to the following four‐level scale: no improvement, some improvement, great improvement or nearly complete remission. Results There was no obvious recurrence in the completely blanched area. However, the lesions became darkened and thicker in untreated areas. There was no long‐term side effect at the treatment site in all patients. Conclusion HMME‐PDT may be considered an effective alternative for the treatment of PWS. Its potential should be emphasized due to the relatively stable results shown in the long term.

Keywords

• long‐term
• follow‐up
• photodynamic therapy
• port‐wine stain