Optical coherence tomography-guided photodynamic therapy for skin cancer: Case study

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been identified as a successful therapy for skin cancer. This case study investigates the role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in lesion (squamous cell carcinoma) mapping, assisting the surgeon to correctly deliver PDT and monitor the outcome. Optical coherence tomographic images were acquired pre-treatment to assess tumour extent and margins to enable guidance of the PDT. Tomographic images taken post-PDT up to 6 months revealed complete response to the treatment and no recurrence. OCT-guided PDT is one of the promising approaches to efficiently discriminate between tumor involved and non-involved margins. It reduces the untoward healthy tissue necrosis and provides an encouraging monitoring of the healing process. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.