Tumors with an incomplete response showed a significant reduction in tumor burden following treatment, with residual histologic tumor burden ranging from less than 1% to 29% of the original clinical tumor diameter, compared with 13%-68% residual tumor burden for the corresponding controls.
The investigators took the study one step further, treating 14 patients with a total of 20 BCCs on the trunk or extremities with four treatments at 3- to 4-week intervals; 19 of 20 BCCs had a complete clinical response, regardless of size and histological subtype (Lasers Surg. Med. 2009; 41:417-22). The investigators concluded that the 595-nm pulsed-dye laser is a "novel, quick, and relatively nonpainful treatment" for BCCs when used in the appropriate clinical setting, Dr. Nouri said.
As for the long-pulse alexandrite laser, it is selective like the pulsed-dye laser, but has deeper penetration, and may be helpful in significantly reducing tumor burden with a single treatment, he said.
In 15 of 18 patients with basal cell nevus syndrome who were treated in one study, a complete clinical response was seen at follow-ups of 2 and 7 months (Lasers Surg. Med. 2010;42:68-71).
No particular laser has emerged as the ideal tool for the treatment or prevention of skin cancer, but work is ongoing. More research is needed to confirm the observations made thus far, as well as to optimize treatment parameters, but the findings to date are encouraging, Dr. Nouri said, noting that he is confident that laser and light sources will eventually be used more for both medical and oncologic purposes.
Dr. Nouri disclosed that he has received grants or research support from Aesthera, CureLight, and Omnilux.