Purpose of Technology

The objective of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for precancerous skin lesions, including actinic keratosis (solar keratosis) and Bowen’s disease/squamous cell carcinoma in situ, is to destroy lesions selectively without harming the surrounding tissue. The destruction of cells within the precancerous lesion is achieved by treating each lesion with a photosensitizing compound and subsequently exposing the lesion to an appropriate light source. PDT is intended as an alternative to conventional surgical excision, cryotherapy, or other therapies for precancerous skin lesions.

Questions addressed in this report include:

• Is PDT effective for AK, and how does PDT compare with other treatments for precancerous skin lesions with regard to clearance of the lesion, recurrence rates, and cosmetic result?
• Is PDT effective for Bowen’s disease/SCC in situ, and how does PDT compare with other treatments for precancerous skin lesions with regard to clearance of the lesion, recurrence rates, and cosmetic result?
• What adverse effects are associated with PDT?
• Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for the use of PDT for AK and SCC in situ lesions?

These questions provide a framework for review and synthesis of the best available evidence, which is presented in this report, along with the Hayes Ratings for the technology. This report also provides background information about the condition being treated, a description of the technology, and the context for development of the technology. Other key elements addressed in the report include the regulatory status; applicable Medicare and commercial payer coverage policies; relevant ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes; cost and cost effectiveness; credentialing; hospital length of stay; need for large case management; and ongoing and future clinical trials of the technology.

Posted in Directory Reports
This entry was posted on Thursday, November 4th, 2010 at 12:00 pm.