Randomized trial demonstrates comparable lesion reduction between Chlorin e6 photodynamic therapy and doxycycline in moderate-to-severe rosacea, indicating a durable alternative.
Key Points
To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of chlorin e6 derivative-mediated photodynamic therapy (STBF-PDT) compared to oral doxycycline for the treatment of moderate-to-severe rosacea.
Prospective, randomized, evaluator-blind controlled study enrolling 76 patients with moderate-to-severe rosacea (38 assigned to STBF-PDT and 38 to oral doxycycline; 69 completed).
Interventions comprised up to six sessions of STBF-PDT versus 100 mg of oral doxycycline daily for 8 weeks, followed by a 24-week post-treatment follow-up period.
Median lesion count reduction reached 82.3% in the STBF-PDT group compared to 81.8% in the doxycycline group at the end of treatment, reflecting no statistically significant difference.
STBF-PDT demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in Demodex mite counts and a lower relapse rate over the 24-week follow-up period compared with doxycycline.
Clinician's Erythema Assessment success, telangiectasia, quality of life, and symptom scores (pruritus and burning) were comparable, with only mild and transient adverse effects observed.