Phototherapy has a 30 year
history of safe use. In that time, there has been no increased risk of cancer,
death, or even worsening of symptoms. Phototherapy is safely prescribed in the
US for adults, children, immune suppressed individuals, and pregnant and nursing
women.
#1 UVB phototherapy and skin cancer: a review of the literature. E. Lee, MD, J. Koo, MD, and T. Berger, MD. The International Journal of Dermatology Vol 44, 355-360. 2004
Study reviewed all prospective and retrospective studies from 1966 to 2002 that attempted to quantify or qualify and additional skin cancer risk from UVB phototherapy. 3400 participants were involved.
CONCLUSION: UVB phototherapy is a common treatment modality for psoriasis and other skin conditions. All studies showed no increased skin cancer risk with UVB phototherapy.
#2 No Evidence for Increased Skin Cancer Risk in Psoriasis patients Treated with Broadband or Narrowband UVB Phototherapy: A First Retrospective Study. M. Weischer, A. Blum, F. Eberhard, M. Rochen, and M. Berneburg. Acta Derm Venereol Vol 84; 370-374. 2004.
Followed 195 patients receiving broadband UVB or narrowband UVB over period from 1994 to 2000 to assess skin cancer risk.
CONCLUSION: Phototherapy of skin diseases such as psoriasis is an effective and safe treatment modality. No evidence for an increased skin cancer risk for patients treated with either broadband or narrowband UVB phototherapy was found.
#3 Treatment of Generalized Vitiligo in Children with Narrow-Band (TL-01) UVB Radiation Therapy. M. D. Njoo, MD, PhD and W. Westerhof, MD, PhD. Journal of American Academy of Dermatology. Vol 42, Number 2, Part 1. February 2000
Studied efficacy and safety of UVB (311 nm) therapy in children with generalized vitiligo. 51 Children were treated twice a week for one year. Psychosocial impact of disease and treatment were carefully evaluated before and after. 75% overall repigmentation in 53% of patients and a stabilization of the disease in 80%.
CONCLUSION: Narrow-band UVB therapy is effective and safe in childhood vitiligo; it may also significantly improve the quality of life.
