Polypodium leucotomos supplementation in the treatment of scalp actinic keratosis: could it improve the efficacy of photodynamic therapy?
Auriemma M
Published in Dermatologic Surgery
Methodology
Randomised trial comparing photodynamic therapy alone with photodynamic therapy plus oral Polypodium leucotomos over 6 months in patients with scalp actinic keratoses, with lesion counts and clearance rates.
Key Findings
In 34 patients with scalp actinic keratoses treated with photodynamic therapy, adding oral Polypodium leucotomos for six months increased the clearance of lesions and reduced the appearance of new keratoses compared with photodynamic therapy alone.
Conclusions
Oral Polypodium leucotomos appeared to enhance photodynamic therapy outcomes for scalp actinic keratosis, a small pilot signal warranting larger controlled trials.
Limitations
Small single-centre sample, limited blinding of lesion assessment, 6-month follow-up too short to assess progression to squamous cell carcinoma, and no placebo capsule in some comparisons.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Institutional support with supplement supplied by manufacturer
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