Hemoporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy for the treatment of port-wine stain: A multicenter, retrospective study

Background: Hemoporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy (Hemoporfin-PDT) has been approved for port-wine stain (PWS) in China in 2017. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Hemoporfin-PDT for PWS in a real life setting and investigated factors that influence the efficacy. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study included patients with PWS who underwent Hemoporfin-PDT in 29 hospitals across China and completed at least two months of follow-up. The efficacy was evaluated based on patien photographs. Results: A total of 1679 patients were included. After the first and second sessions of Hemoporfin-PDT, 63.5 and 75.3% of patients responded, respectively. The response rate of purple-type PWS was significantly lower than that of pink-type PWS (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54–0.94, P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between thick- and pink-type (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.42–1.22, P > 0.05). The response rate of PWS on the limbs was significantly lower than that on the mid-face (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.23–0.53, P < 0.0001), while no significant difference was observed between PWS on the peripheral part of the face, neck or other parts of the body and PWS on the mid-face (P > 0.05). The response rate was lower in male patients with an age > 3 years or ≤ 6 years (P < 0.05). Previous treatment history did not affect the efficacy (P > 0.05). Hemoporfin-PDT was well tolerated. Conclusion: Patients with PWS have a good response and good tolerance to Hemoporfin-PDT.