New five year clinical trial results have demonstrated the high efficacy and long-term response rates of Metvix photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT) in NMSC compared to current standard treatments cryotherapy and surgery. As NMSC is the most common form of skin cancer in Caucasians and, like all skin cancers, has been increasing over recent decades, new methods to effectively treat are essential to prevent extensive damage and further skin cancer developing.

"This is an exciting step forward in the treatment of NMSC, including superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas. MAL-PDT has shown consistent efficacy in previous trial results, however, the newly available five year data confirm that MAL-PDT is a reliable treatment option, with the added cosmetic benefits which are so important to patients." said Dr Peter Foley, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Australia.

Long-term measurement of the response rates for any new cancer treatment is necessary to demonstrate high efficacy and reliability. Several ongoing Metvix-PDT clinical trials in basal cell carcinoma have reached the 60 month follow up mark demonstrating reliable long term efficacy within the range of standard treatments.1 In addition Metvix-PDT not only meets the efficacy standards of current treatments but also has significant benefits in relation to compliance, re-treatment, high selectivity, cosmetic aspects including healing.2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

The 60 month data in two of the main forms of NMSC showed:

• In superficial basal cell carcinomas (sBCC) similar recurrence with Metvix-PDT to cryotherapy of 22% vs 19% (with no additional recurrences from 36 months). This was despite using only one Metvix-PDT treatment session for most patients instead of the recommended standard protocol of two sessions seven days apart. Superior cosmesis including healing were demonstrated compared to cryotherapy
• In nodular basal cell carcinomas (nBCC) Metvix-P
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Contact: Mary Barrington-Ward
mary.barringtonward@shirehealthlondon.com
44-207-108-6066
Shire Health International
31-Jan-2006


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