WASHINGTON (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Each year in the United States, 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed. More than 7,000 people die. Now, doctors are using a new therapy to keep the cancer from developing in some patients.

Mary Louise Gramkow spent her life in the sun. She says: "Tennis, gardening and mowing -- that sort of thing. [I am] just an outdoor person." All that sun damaged her legs -- causing a skin condition called actinic keratoses. These thick and crusty lesions are a precursor to skin cancer.

"This is an actinic keratosis that eventually transformed into a squamous cell skin cancer," says dermatologist Lisa Kauffman, M.D., of Georgetown University Hospital in Washington.

Today, Gramkow is having the rest of the spots treated, hoping to prevent more cancer. Dr. Kauffman applies Levulinic acid to the lesions to make them sensitive to light. A blue light activates the acid and destroys the lesions. Around 18 hours later, she returns for the second treatment.

Dr. Kauffman says, "This treats at least 85 percent of the pre-cancerous growths that are here today."

In studies, all patients had more than 85 percent of their lesions clear. But it's not a cure. Sun exposure will mean more lesions and more needed treatment.

Gramkow had her left leg done a few months ago. She says, "My left leg is very much better, but there are a couple of places that, as Dr. Kauffman said, I think were too thick and they have to be done again." She also says it's uncomfortable, but a treatment she's willing to endure again if necessary.

More than 5 million people in the United States are living with actinic keratoses. Doctors say it's important to seek treatment, because nearly half of squamous cell cancers start as one of these spots.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Georgetown M.D. Line
(866) 745-2633

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