Authors' objectives:

To summarise the current research evidence on Metvix-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and actinic keratosis.

Authors' recommendations: - Clinical impact: The clinical advantages of Metvix-PDT appear to be small in the treatment of BCC compared to current treatment, but with markedly superior cosmetic results. The published clinical trials are small or in abstract form. - Service impact: There will be some service impact associated with the introduction of Metvix-PDT as equipment to generate the light and staff training will be needed. Metvix-PDT will replace other therapies such as cryotherapy, radiotherapy or surgical excision so freeing resources. - Additional factors: There may be increasing patient interest in Metvix-PDT as it produces a better cosmetic result than current treatments. - Financial and overall NHS impact: Due to the lack of comparative cost data, it is difficult to estimate the likely financial impact of the introduction of Metvix-PDT, but use in BCC it is likely to be small (0.9M GBP pa). The costs associated with Metvix-PDT for actinic keratosis may prove to be significant (4.7M - 9.4M GBP pa).

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2002

URL for published report: http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/search

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: National Horizon Scanning Centre (NHSC)