Twenty Years of Clinical Experience with a New Modality of Vascular-Targeted Photodynamic Therapy for Port Wine Stains

BACKGROUND Port wine stains (PWS) are congenital capillary malformations of the skin and are difficult to treat without scarring. Since January 1991, our group has performed a new modality of vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) for PWS treatment. OBJECTIVE To summarize our clinical experiences with vascular-targeted PDT for PWS at Chinese PLA General Hospital. METHODS AND MATERIALS Our group has collected and reviewed retrospective clinical research data of vascular-targeted PDT for treating PWS since January 1991. RESULTS Clinical studies showed that vascular-targeted PDT is an effective treatment for all types of PWS. Repetitive treatment sessions were usually needed to obtain a better cosmetic effect. No recurrence was seen in patients followed up for longer than 19 years. There were no significant side effects or adverse reactions. CONCLUSION This new PDT is an effective, safe, and noninvasive modality with no recurrence for PWS, although the protocol for PDT requires further optimization.