PhotoCure ASA has submitted a marketing authorisation application to the Australian authorities for Metvix PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) for the treatment of "high risk" basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and actinic keratosis (AK). This marketing application follows applications filed in Sweden as the first step in a European approval procedure for the same indications.
Actinic keratoses, also called "sun spots" are the most frequent pre-malignant skin condition. Up to 50 per cent of the population in Australia above 40 years of age have at least one AK. Worldwide, it is estimated that about 20 million cases of AK occur each year. Because AKs may progress to squamous cell carcinoma, which is an aggressive, even life-threatening type of skin cancer, it is important to treat AK's effectively.
About two million new cases of BCC occur worldwide every year making this the most common form of cancer among Caucasians. BCC is a type of skin cancer which rarely metastasizes, but which spreads slowly just below the skin surface. If it is left without adequate treatment it may become very difficult to treat. The most difficult, "high risk" BCC lesions are those which are located in the mid-face, or which have become very large, so that the patients are at high risk of complications and poor cosmetic outcome due to the complex surgical procedures that are required to treat these lesions.
Metvix PDT is an innovative skin cancer treatment, which combines the local application of a cream (Metvix) followed by activation of the drug through illumination with a red light (Curelight). Metvix PDT kills the cancer cells selectively and leaves the normal skin intact, thereby leaving the healed skin without scars or blemishes.