Phototherapy has been used for many years as a treatment for psoriasis. It has progressed from simple heliotherapy, to the utilization of specific wavelengths including ultraviolet light A (UVA), psoralen plus UVA (PUVA photochemotherapy), broad-band ultraviolet light B (BB-UVB), and narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB). NB-UVB in particular has become a much utilized treatment for psoriasis due to its efficacy and safety profile.
Objective
This paper reviews the published literature regarding the question of increased carcinogenesis with the use of NB-UVB in psoriasis.
Methods
Studies published between 1980 and 2008 with English abstracts identified in PubMed, with the key words psoriasis, phototherapy, carcinogenesis, and NB-UVB, were reviewed.
Results
Rates of carcinogenesis with the use of NB-UVB are lower than or equal to other current phototherapy modalities.
Conclusion
NB-UVB is an effective and overall safe treatment option in the therapy of psoriasis.
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