Allergic contact dermatitis to methyl aminolevulinate after photodynamic therapy in 9 patients

Abstract

This report describes 9 patients who developed allergic contact dermatitis to methyl aminolevulinate used for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The risk of developing contact allergy to methyl aminolevulinate in PDT treated patients was calculated to 1% after an average of 7 treatments (range 2-21).

Photodynamic therapy for acne vulgaris: A critical review from basics to clinical practice

“…Allergic reactions have been reported while using topical MAL for treatment of various skin conditions with positive patch test, with a possible correlation to drug concentration. [53][54][55] Severe contact dermatitis with intense pain was observed after drug and light irradiation in those patients. The allergen was apparently the methyl-ester of ALA itself rather than a component of the topical formulation.…”

European guidelines for topical photodynamic therapy part 1: treatment delivery and current indications – actinic keratoses, Bowen’s disease, basal cell carcinoma

“…There is a risk of sensitization to MAL that might give an exaggerated response to patients receiving further PDT with the same drug formulation 100–103 …”

Guidelines for practical use of MAL‐PDT in non‐melanoma skin cancer

“…Ulcerations, crusts, pustules, erosions, vesicles/bullae, bleeding and persistent hypo/hyperpigmentation develop in fewer patients 30,31 . Still less frequent reactions are urticaria, infection and contact dermatitis 32,33 …”