Chinese Journal of Dermatology ›› 2026, Vol. 59 ›› Issue (7): 626-631.doi: 10.35541/cjd.20260178

• Expert Commentary • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: current status, challenges, and perspectives

Zhang Guolong, Zhao Zijun   

  1. Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
  • Received:2026-04-01 Revised:2026-06-16 Online:2026-07-15 Published:2026-07-03
  • Contact: Guo-Long Zhang E-mail:glzhangtj@tongji.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(82272761)

Abstract: 【Abstract】 Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) predominantly occurs on sun-exposed areas such as the head and face, with the potential for metastasis and even fatality, posing a serious threat to patient health. Aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT), as a locally minimally invasive physical antitumor therapy that combines a photosensitizer with a medical device, holds considerable clinical value and promise in the diagnosis and treatment of cSCC. This article systematically reviews the current status of and mechanistic research on ALA-PDT for cSCC in China and other countries, analyzes current technical bottlenecks and clinical challenges, and explores future optimization strategies, with the aim of promoting the individualized, precise, and standardized application of ALA-PDT for cSCC.

Key words: Carcinoma, squamous cell, Photochemotherapy, Aminolevulinic acid, Therapy, Therapeutic mechanism