Actinic Keratosis (AK), the pre-malignant condition that precedes nonmelanoma skin malignancies, is still one of the most common dermatologic cases seen in the clinic. Despite the availability of numerous therapies, optimal treatment still needs to be explored. In recent years, photodynamic therapy has sparked interest in various diseases, including actinic keratosis. Hence, this review aims to highlight the role and efficacy of nanoemulsified aminolevulinic acid as a photodynamic therapy agent in the treatment of actinic keratosis. A systematic search was conducted through PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science based on the specified PICO. The present study assesses primary outcomes based on lesion response, cosmetic results, clearance rate, patient satisfaction, and lesion reccurence. The use of ALA-PDT has been shown to ameliorate AK manifestations by accelerating neocollagenesis, stimulating fibroblast synthesis, and eliciting death in target cells. As a result, we concluded that ALA-PDT is an effective therapy for AK, notably due to its high clearance rate, low recurrence rate, and lack of complications due to its non-invasive approach. However, before administering ALA-PDT to AK patients, contraindications and precautions must be addressed.

Actinic keratosis

photodynamic therapy

aminolevulinic acid

non-melanoma skin cancer

phototherapy