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Transepidermal Drug Delivery: Overview, Concept, and Applications

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Abstract

Laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) is currently being implemented in the dermatological clinic as a new method to enhance skin uptake of topical therapeutics. Compared to conventional topical use, clinical evidence shows benefit for neoplastic lesions, photodamaged skin, scars, onychomycosis, and topical anesthetic procedures. Particularly compelling evidence is available for photodynamic therapy (PDT), where improved and longer-lasting remission using laser-assisted methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) treatment for actinic keratosis is established compared to conventional PDT. Still, safety concerns related to increased risks of local and systemic side effects remain, especially when performing LADD over large skin areas. Provided responsible development, however, LADD holds promise as a new delivery modality with the potential to improve treatment of numerous dermatological conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Andrés Már Erlendsson, Emily Wenande & Merete Haedersdal

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  1. Andrés Már Erlendsson
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  2. Emily Wenande
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  3. Merete Haedersdal
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Correspondence to Merete Haedersdal .

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  1. Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, São Paulo, Brazil

    Maria Claudia Almeida Issa

  2. Lexbios Medica S/S, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Bhertha Tamura

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Erlendsson, A.M., Wenande, E., Haedersdal, M. (2016). Transepidermal Drug Delivery: Overview, Concept, and Applications. In: Issa, M., Tamura, B. (eds) Lasers, Lights and Other Technologies. Clinical Approaches and Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20251-8_34-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20251-8_34-1

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-20251-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-20251-8

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