Convergence of anatomy, technology, and therapeutics: a review of laser-assisted drug delivers

Jeremy A Brauer; Andrew C Krakowski; Bradley S Bloom; Tuyet A Nguyen; Roy G Geronemus

doi:10.12788/j.sder.0119

Convergence of anatomy, technology, and therapeutics: a review of laser-assisted drug delivers

Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2014 Dec;33(4):176-81. doi: 10.12788/j.sder.0119.

Authors

Jeremy A Brauer¹, Andrew C Krakowski², Bradley S Bloom³, Tuyet A Nguyen⁴, Roy G Geronemus⁵

Affiliations

¹ Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, 317 East 34th Street, New York, New York 10016, USA; Ronald O Perelman Departmet of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA. Deivision of Dermatology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, New York USA.jbrauer@laserskinsurgery.com.
² University of California at San Diego, LaJolla, California, USA.
³ Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, New York, USA.
⁴ University of California at San Diego, LaJolla, California, USA. Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.
⁵ Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, New York, USA. Ronald O. Perleman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.

PMID: 25830250
DOI: 10.12788/j.sder.0119

Abstract

This is a very exciting time in cutaneous laser surgery with an ever-expanding therapeutic armamentarium and an increased sophistication of available technology. These recent trends have allowed for both a rapid development of interest and exploration of laser-assisted drug delivery and its potential applications. We review the current literature on anatomy, technology, and therapeutics as it relates to laser-assisted drug delivery. The focus of our review is on two areas of interest that have received much attention to date - photodynamic therapy in the treatment of actinic keratoses and nonmelanoma skin cancers as well as the treatment of scarring. We will also discuss potential complications of existing modalities used independently and in laser-assisted drug delivery and conclude with future indications for this burgeoning therapeutic methodology.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cicatrix / therapy
Drug Delivery Systems / instrumentation*
Humans
Keratosis, Actinic / therapy
Laser Therapy*
Lasers*
Photochemotherapy*
Skin / anatomy & histology
Skin Neoplasms / therapy