Adverse effects following Q-switched ruby laser treatment of pigmented lesions

Abstract

A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the incidence of adverse effects following Q-switched ruby laser treatment of pigmented lesions at the Wessex Specialist Laser Centre. Sixty-one patients received a total of 151 treatments between January 2006 and January 2008. This is the largest series to date of patients on whom adverse effects have been reported following Q-switched ruby laser treatment of an assortment of pigmented lesions. Patients with traumatic or decorative tattoos were excluded from this study. Two of the treatments (1.3%) resulted in adverse effects. One patient developed hyperpigmentation and the other experienced scabbing and subsequent textural change following abrasion of the scab. No predisposing medical or other factors were observed in either patient. This low incidence of adverse effects is consistent with the highly selective absorption of ruby laser light by melanin. The presence of these adverse effects highlights the importance of test patch treatments, the necessity for patients to follow good post-treatment advice and the case for vigilance in monitoring the quality of the laser output.

In vivo label-free photoacoustic flow cytography and on-the-spot laser killing of single circulating melanoma cells

“…Taking another approach, therapies directly targeting CTCs can reduce tumor metastasis potentials and may even prevent metastasis from occurring if administered in early tumor stages47. Nanosecond-pulsed lasers at 680–1064 nm wavelengths have long enabled physicians to treat melanocytic skin lesions with a high degree of selectivity and a low risk of postoperative complications2425. For laser pulses shorter than the thermal relaxation time, radiant energy is largely confined in the absorber26, which can achieve efficient energy delivery and selective photothermolysis of the absorbing cells27.…”

Real-time photoacoustic flow cytography and photothermolysis of single circulating melanoma cells in vivo

“…Taking another approach, therapies directly and physically targeting CTCs can reduce tumor metastasis risks with minimal side effects [11]. Physicians have long used nanosecond-pulsed lasers at 680-1064 nm wavelengths to treat melanocytic skin lesions with a high degree of selectivity and a low risk of postoperative complications [12]. By applying the same method on CTCs, radiant energy is largely confined in the absorbers, melanosomes, and can achieve selective photothermolysis of the absorbing cells [13].…”