Is photodynamic therapy effective in treating basal cell cancer?

While theoretically : It could be very useful, I do not know if trials have been done. Moh's surgeons from derm dominate this area, it used to be that radiotherapy was used. The Photofrin (dihematoporphyrin ether) concentrates in normal skin. It makes sense but I do not know the data for skin.

Yes, but: There are a few reports on photodynamic therapy for bcc, and it really does not seem to be as effective as other treatment options. I suppose it can work for superficial basal cell cancer, but is much less likely to work for nodular basal cell cancers and other subtypes of basal cell cancer. The bottom line is there are better choices.

Not proven: It has been used and studied but it is not fda approved for that indication nor is it considered first-line therapy. It can be considered in patients who cannot have surgery or radiation. Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treatment of skin cancer and has the highest cure rate (99%).