Non-surgical treatment for skin cancer

There is an effective non-surgical treatment option for some non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) as well as certain types of pre-cancerous lesions called PDT. Although they are know medically as superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas and actinic keratoses (or solar keratoses). Some doctors might refer to them as BCCs or Aks, or simply ‘lesions’. As well as being effective, the potential for scarring with PDT treatment is minimal.

Metvix PDT uses a different approach to the treatment of these lesions in comparison to conventional treatments. It is a simple, non-invasive treatment that consists of the application of Metvix cream to the lesion(s) followed by its exposure to light from the specifically designed Aktilite lamp. The cells in the lesions absorb the active ingredient from the Metvix cream. When exposed to light from the Aktilite lamp, a chemical reaction occurs which destroys only the lesion, minimising side effects and potential scarring.

Treatment with Metvix PDT involves three simple steps. You may have more than one lesion treated at one time.

1. Lesion Preparation:
   Before the Metvix cream is applied, the lesion(s) will be prepared by removing scales and crusts and roughening the skin surface. This preparation helps the Metvix cream to be absorbed by the abnormal cells that causes these BCC and AK lesions.
2. Application of Metvix cream
   Metvix cream will then be applied to the lesion and the surrounding area. The area will then be covered with a dressing, which must remain in place for 3 hours. YOU MUST NOT REMOVE THIS DRESSING. During this time you are free to leave the surgery, however you should ensure that the lesion is not exposed to very cold air or direct sunlight.
3. Exposure to light from the Aktilite lamp – illumination
   After 3 hours, the dressing will be removed, the treated area wiped clean, and then immediately exposed to light from the Aktilite lamp for a period of 7 to 9 minutes. This process is called illumination. Due to the selective nature of Metvix cream, healthy skin surrounding the lesion doe not need to be protected during the illumination. As a safety precaution, you will be give goggles to wear during the illumination to protect your eyes from the intense light.

Not everyone experiences pain, however you may experience a stinging or burning sensation during the illumination. If you become too uncomfortable, your doctor can pause the light for a short while to relieve your discomfort.

Metvix cream selectively targets abnormal cells. This level of accuracy means that while the lesion is destroyed, the potential for scarring often associated with other treatment options is significantly diminished with Metvix PDT.

After your treatment, you are advised to keep the treated area clean. It is also recommended that you protect the treated skin from direct sun for couple of days. Local discomfort around the lesion site immediately after the treatment is the most common side effect with Metvix PDT. Mild to moderate redness, swelling and inflammation are normal after treatment responses, which usually resolve rapidly.

Clinical studies in Australia and around the world have proven that Metvix PDT treatment is effective for treating pre-cancerous lesions. The additional advantage it provides is excellent cosmetic results. The non-invasive and selective nature of the treatment minimise the potential for scarring and side effects. As you can see from the before and after picture, in many cases BCCs and Aks can be removed without a trace. This is one of the reasons why clinical studies in Australia and overseas have found that most patients who have had previous treatment for AK with cryotherapy or a topical chemical therapy ere more satisfied with this PDT treatment.