Methods for photodynamic therapy
A method of enhancing penetration of a topical composition of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) into tissue for photodynamic therapy includes topically applying ALA to a treatment area to be treated with photodynamic therapy. The method further includes, after the ALA is applied to the treatment area, covering the treatment area with a low density polyethylene barrier. The treatment area is covered with the low density polyethylene barrier prior to light treatment to minimize transepidermal water loss from the treatment area.
1. A method of enhancing penetration of a topical composition of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) into tissue for photodynamic therapy, the method comprising:
topically applying ALA to a treatment area to be treated with photodynamic therapy;
after the ALA is applied to the treatment area, covering the treatment area with a low density polyethylene barrier prior to light treatment such that a degree of occlusion of the treatment area of at least 65% is provided; and
removing the low density polyethylene barrier after 3 hours and then applying light to the treatment area.
2. The method according to claim 1 , comprising covering the treatment area with the low density polyethylene barrier prior to light treatment such that a degree of occlusion of the treatment area of at least 75% is provided.
3. The method according to claim 1 , comprising covering the treatment area with the low density polyethylene barrier prior to light treatment such that a degree of occlusion of the treatment area of at least 85% is provided.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier contacts the treatment area.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the treatment area is covered with the barrier by conforming the barrier to the treatment area such that the barrier stays close to a surface of the treatment area.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the low density polyethylene barrier is held in place with an elastic net.
7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier is covered with material.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier is covered with material by placing the material over and around the barrier.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the low density polyethylene barrier is removed within 3 hours 18 minutes.
10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the treatment area is wet when the treatment area is covered with the low density polyethylene barrier.
11. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the topical composition comprises a gel.
12. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the light is red light.
13. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the ALA is applied digitally.
14. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the ALA is applied with a hand-held device.
15. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the treatment area comprises an actinic keratosis lesion.
16. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the treatment area is heated by about 2° C. prior to applying light to the treatment area.
17. A method of enhancing penetration of a topical composition of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) into tissue for photodynamic therapy, the method comprising:
topically applying ALA to a treatment area to be treated with photodynamic therapy;
after the ALA is applied to the treatment area, covering the treatment area with a low density polyethylene barrier prior to light treatment such that a degree of occlusion of the treatment area of at least 65% is provided; and
removing the low density polyethylene barrier after 3 hours and then applying light to the treatment area,
wherein the treatment area is not heated prior to applying light to the treatment area.
18. A method of enhancing penetration of a topical composition of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) into tissue for photodynamic therapy, the method comprising:
topically applying ALA to a treatment area to be treated with photodynamic therapy;
after the ALA is applied to the treatment area, covering the treatment area with a low density polyethylene barrier prior to light treatment such that a degree of occlusion of the treatment area of at least 65% is provided; and
removing the low density polyethylene barrier after 3 hours and then applying light to the treatment area,
wherein the barrier comprises a two layer barrier wherein a top layer provides light pressure to keep a lower layer in place.