Distinguishing Myth from Fact: Photocarcinogenesis and Phototherapy

Katherine G Thompson; Noori Kim

doi:10.1016/j.det.2019.08.003

Distinguishing Myth from Fact: Photocarcinogenesis and Phototherapy

Dermatol Clin. 2020 Jan;38(1):25-35. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2019.08.003. Epub 2019 Oct 18.

Authors

Katherine G Thompson¹, Noori Kim²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 North Caroline Street, Suite 8033, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
² Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 North Caroline Street, Suite 8033, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Electronic address: nkim34@jhmi.edu.

PMID: 31753190
DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2019.08.003

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation contributes to the development of skin cancer through direct and indirect DNA damage, production of reactive oxygen species, and local immunomodulation. The association between UV radiation and skin cancer has raised concern for the risk of carcinogenesis following phototherapy. The photocarcinogenic impact of psoralen and UVA radiation (PUVA) has been extensively studied, whereas limited safety studies exist for other phototherapy modalities, such as broadband and narrowband UVB and UVA1. Because of the as of yet unclear risk, patients who have undergone any type of phototherapy should be followed for age-appropriate skin cancer screening.

Keywords: Broadband UVB; Narrowband UVB; PUVA; Photocarcinogenesis; Phototherapy; Skin cancer; UVA1.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Carcinogenesis / radiation effects*
Humans
Phototherapy / adverse effects*
Psoriasis / therapy*
Risk Factors
Skin Neoplasms / etiology*