Photodynamic Therapy Using Aminolevulinic Acid in Treating Patients With Skin Cancer

You may be eligible if

• DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:
• Biopsy-proven basal cell carcinoma on the trunk or extremities
• * Tumor size ≤ 2 cm in diameter
• PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
• Willing and able to comply with all follow-up requirements
• Mentally competent
• No active, localized, or systemic infections
• Not immunocompromised
• No coagulation disorder
• No photosensitivity or allergy to sunlight
• Not pregnant or nursing
• No history of keloid formation
• No history of cutaneous photosensitization, porphyria, hypersensitivity to porphyrins, or photodermatosis
• PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:
• No prior gold therapy
• No prior radiotherapy to the trunk and extremities
• More than 24 months since prior oral retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin or acitretin) or photosensitizing drugs (e.g., Declomycin®)
• More than 1 year since prior collagen or other injections, Botox® injections, chemical peels, dermabrasion, or resurfacing procedures
• More than 1 month since prior topical retinoid therapy
• No concurrent aspirin or antioxidants
• No concurrent anticoagulation medications