Work

In Vivo Monitoring of Photodynamic Therapy Efficacy in Photoaged Skin Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BackgroundSkin aging, driven primarily by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced photoaging, poses a significant health concern. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a promising treatment for photoaged skin; however, objective efficacy monitoring remains challenging. This study investigated the feasibility of using optical coherence tomography (OCT) for in vivo assessment and dynamic monitoring of PDT efficacy in treating photoaging.MethodA photoaged skin model was established in SKH-1 hairless mice exposed to simulated solar UV radiation. PDT was administered using STBF cream and varying light doses. OCT imaging visualized skin morphology and monitored treatment response, which was correlated with histopathology.ResultSTBF-PDT improved the skin phenotype in photoaged mice, with medium and high light doses demonstrating significant improvements in skin roughness, laxity, and wrinkles. OCT imaging revealed epidermal thinning and alterations in dermal average grayscale values after STBF-PDT, suggesting reversal of photoaging effects through repair of dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) damage and remodeling of dermal collagen.ConclusionOur findings suggest that OCT is a valuable tool for visually monitoring PDT treatment response in photoaging, providing direct evidence of efficacy by visualizing changes in skin morphology and collagen structure. OCT’s capacity to semiquantitatively differentiate treatment efficacy among groups offers a substantial advantage over macroscopic photographs and dermoscopic observations, potentially informing personalized treatment strategies.

Source: Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy

DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2025.104811