Healing skin affected by actinic keratosis

Sun Damage Breakthrough: Can This New Combo Therapy Erase Actinic Keratosis?

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Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Combining Calcipotriol with MAL-PDT Shows Promise in Treating Stubborn Actinic Keratosis"


Actinic keratosis (AK), often referred to as solar keratosis, is a prevalent skin condition resulting from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These rough, scaly patches typically appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, and hands. While AKs are not cancerous, they are considered pre-cancerous because they have the potential to develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer. Therefore, early detection and treatment are crucial.

Traditional treatments for AKs include cryotherapy (freezing), topical creams, and photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT involves applying a photosensitizing agent to the affected area, followed by exposure to a specific wavelength of light. This process destroys the AK cells. While PDT is generally effective, some lesions, particularly those on the scalp or thicker AKs, can be more resistant to treatment.

Now, a recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology investigates a novel approach: combining Calcipotriol, a vitamin D analogue, with conventional methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT). The study aims to determine if this combination therapy can enhance the effectiveness of PDT, especially for those challenging-to-treat AKs. This article will break down the study's findings and what it could mean for individuals seeking better solutions for managing actinic keratosis.

Calcipotriol and MAL-PDT: A Powerful Duo Against Actinic Keratosis?

Healing skin affected by actinic keratosis

The study, led by researchers L. Torezan, B. Grinblat, M. Haedersdal, N. Valente, C. Festa-Neto, and R.M. Szeimies, explored whether adding Calcipotriol to the standard MAL-PDT treatment could improve outcomes for patients with AKs, especially on the scalp. Calcipotriol is a synthetic form of vitamin D3 that is commonly used to treat psoriasis. It works by regulating skin cell growth and reducing inflammation. Researchers hypothesized that Calcipotriol might make AK cells more susceptible to PDT, thereby enhancing the treatment's effectiveness.

The study compared the efficacy of two treatment approaches on the scalp: One half of the scalp was treated with a combination of Calcipotriol and PDT. The other half received PDT alone.

  • Calcipotriol enhances PDT effectiveness, especially for thicker lesions.
  • Combination therapy is safe and well-tolerated.
  • Side effects were more common but manageable.
Patients were monitored for three months following treatment. The results indicated that the combination therapy was indeed more effective, particularly for thicker AK lesions. The researchers concluded that combining Calcipotriol with PDT is a safe and more effective treatment option for AKs, especially when dealing with thicker lesions. While side effects were more common with the combination therapy, they were generally well-tolerated by the patients.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Actinic Keratosis Treatment

The findings of this study offer a promising step forward in the treatment of actinic keratosis. The combination of Calcipotriol and MAL-PDT presents a potentially more effective option, particularly for individuals with thicker or more resistant lesions. While further research may be warranted to optimize treatment protocols and better understand the long-term benefits, this study provides valuable insights into a novel approach for managing this common skin condition. If you are concerned about actinic keratosis, consult with your dermatologist to discuss the best treatment options for your specific needs. Early detection and effective management are key to preventing the progression of AKs to skin cancer.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What exactly is actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, is a common skin condition caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These appear as rough, scaly patches, typically on sun-exposed areas like the face, scalp, ears, and hands. While AKs themselves are not cancerous, they are considered pre-cancerous because they can potentially develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer. Early detection and treatment are therefore essential to prevent progression to cancer.

2

What are the typical treatments for actinic keratosis, and how does the new approach differ?

Traditional treatments include cryotherapy (freezing), topical creams, and photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT involves applying a photosensitizing agent to the affected area, followed by exposure to a specific wavelength of light, which destroys the AK cells. A novel treatment approach involves combining Calcipotriol, a vitamin D analogue, with methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT) to enhance PDT effectiveness, especially for difficult-to-treat AKs.

3

What is Calcipotriol, and why is it being used in combination with MAL-PDT?

Calcipotriol is a synthetic form of vitamin D3 that is commonly used to treat psoriasis. It works by regulating skin cell growth and reducing inflammation. The hypothesis is that Calcipotriol might make AK cells more susceptible to PDT, thereby enhancing the treatment's effectiveness. Combining Calcipotriol with MAL-PDT is shown to be more effective than PDT alone, particularly for thicker AK lesions.

4

What did the study reveal about the effectiveness of combining Calcipotriol with MAL-PDT?

The study found that combining Calcipotriol with MAL-PDT was more effective than using MAL-PDT alone, especially for thicker actinic keratosis lesions. While side effects were more common with the combination therapy, they were generally well-tolerated by the patients. This suggests that the combination therapy could provide a better outcome for individuals with challenging AKs.

5

What is the key takeaway regarding the future of actinic keratosis treatment?

The study indicates a promising step forward in the treatment of actinic keratosis, particularly for those with thicker or more resistant lesions. Early detection and effective management are key to preventing the progression of AKs to skin cancer, so it is important to consult with a dermatologist about treatment options.

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