Therapeutic Modalities for Localized Psoriasis: 308-nm UVB Excimer Laser Versus Nontargeted Phototherapy

UVB phototherapy is an effective treatment modality for psoriasis. For patients with localized plaque-type lesions, 308-nm excimer laser phototherapy offers rapidly delivered, targeted, high UVB doses, while sparing adjacent healthy skin. We aimed to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the 308-nm xenon chloride (XeCl) UVB excimer laser with nontargeted broadband UVB (BB-UVB), narrowband UVB (NB-UVB), and psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) phototherapies. A PubMed search for studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of the laser versus nontargeted phototherapeutic modalities was conducted. Three prospective nonrandomized studies compared NB-UVB with excimer laser phototherapy. No head-to-head studies were found for BB-UVB or PUVA compared to excimer laser. Both the 308-nm excimer laser and nontargeted phototherapies were found to effectively clear localized psoriasis. Although it is proposed that excimer laser exclusively treats diseased skin with better response rates, split-body trials revealed no differences. Long-term studies are necessary to compare the effects of high-dose excimer laser regimens with nontargeted phototherapies.

Listen to Dr. Feldman's audiocast on UVB excimer laser therapy versus nontargeted phototherapy here.