Rising Evidence that Laser Treatments Can Help in The Prevention of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) affects over 3 million Americans annually, with 9,500 new cases diagnosed daily in the US alone. The associated patient morbidity and costs underscore the need for expanded prevention methods.
While lasers are commonly employed in dermatology for cosmetic purposes like photoaging and scarring, emerging evidence suggests their potential in NMSC prevention.
In a groundbreaking study shedding light on preventive measures against nonmelanoma skin cancer, researchers have unveiled the potential of simple laser treatments as a shield for skin health. Published by a team from Massachusetts General Hospital, a pioneer in healthcare innovation, the study presents a straightforward strategy to fortify individuals’ skin resilience.
Nonablative fractional lasers (NAFL), distinguished by their fractional delivery of heat while preserving the skin’s integrity post-treatment, have long been employed to address various skin concerns such as scars, sun damage, and age spots. Yet, their efficacy in thwarting skin cancer remained elusive.
Enter Dr. Mathew Avram, leading the charge at the Mass General Dermatology Laser & Cosmetic Center, along with his colleagues. Their research zeroes in on patients with a history of facial keratinocyte carcinoma, a common precursor to basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most prevalent forms of skin cancer in the United States.
The study enrolled 43 patients who underwent NAFL therapy and 52 control counterparts who did not. Over an extensive follow-up period averaging more than six years, the results spoke volumes: those treated with NAFL exhibited a significantly reduced risk of subsequent keratinocyte carcinoma development compared to their untreated counterparts.
Among the NAFL-treated cohort, only 20.9% experienced a recurrence of keratinocyte carcinoma, in stark contrast to the 40.4% recurrence rate among the untreated group. Even after adjusting for age, gender, and skin type, the protective effect of NAFL therapy persisted, with treated patients being 2.65 times less likely to develop new keratinocyte carcinomas.
Furthermore, for those unfortunate few who did face a recurrence, the time to development was notably prolonged in NAFL-treated individuals, underscoring the potential of laser therapy to not only prevent but also delay the onset of skin malignancies.
Dr. Avram underscores the significance of these findings, emphasizing the promising role of NAFL treatment in safeguarding against keratinocyte carcinomas. By harnessing the power of laser technology, individuals can proactively shield their skin against the threat of nonmelanoma skin cancer, ushering in a new era of preventive dermatology.
With its simplicity and efficacy, nonablative fractional laser therapy emerges as a beacon of hope in the fight against skin cancer, offering a ray of light for countless individuals seeking to preserve their skin health and well-being.
To explore how nonablative fractional lasers can benefit your skin health and aid in skin cancer prevention, reach out to our professionals at Aesthetics and Medical Lasers of Colorado. Contact us at 720-818-0533 or visit our website at aestheticsandmedicallasers.com. Conveniently located in Longmont and Ft. Collins, we proudly serve the communities of Boulder, Lafayette, Erie, Longmont, Berthoud, Loveland, and Greeley.
