FDA Approves Ameluz with Red-Light Photodynamic Therapy for Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ameluz (aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride) gel in conjunction with red-light photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in adults. This marks the first FDA approval of a photodynamic therapy specifically for a skin cancer, expanding its use beyond actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition. Basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent form of skin cancer, typically managed through surgical interventions. The newly approved non-surgical option involves a two-step in-office procedure. First, a gel containing aminolevulinic acid is applied to the lesion and surrounding skin, which is preferentially absorbed by abnormal cells, making them light-sensitive. Following an incubation period, the area is exposed to a red-light lamp, activating the medication and initiating a chemical reaction that damages and destroys the targeted cancerous cells. This method aims to treat the cancer without requiring incisions or skin rem...
