Applications of phototherapies for the management of skin cancer along with their mechanism of action

No.Source of light (phototherapy)TargetTreatment of skin cancerMechanism of actionReferences
1PUVAPsoralen and DNASkin mastocytosis and cutaneous T-cell lymphomaApoptosis, cell cycle arrest, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and DNA replication inhibition[119]
2UVA1 (340–400 nm)ChromophoresAtopic dermatitis, localized sclerodermaT-cell apoptosis and tissue remodeling[120]
3PDTPhotosensitizersSuperficial skin cancerApoptosis and ROS production[121]
4Ablation [CO2 laser (10,800 nm); erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser (Er:YAG laser, 3,850 nm)]Water in and outside the cellsSuperficial skin cancerEvaporation[122]
5Non-ablation (dye laser)Hemoglobin (Hb)Telangiectasia, vascular lesions, as well as hemangiomaPhotoselective thermolysis[123]
6Extra-corporeal photopheresisChromophoreErythrodermic cutaneous T-cell lymphomaT-cells depletion[124]