Outcomes of long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser treatment of basal cell carcinoma: A retrospective review

Background and objective: Recent prospective trials have supported treatment of nonfacial BCC with long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser based on short-term histologic clearance rates. Studies have yet to identify the long-term clinical clearance rates of this specific laser therapy for BCC.

Study design/material and methods: This is a retrospective review of BCC treated with long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, which have been clinically monitored for at least 6 months, to assess for recurrence and cosmetic outcomes of the treated area.

Results: 16 BCC lesions (11 subjects) treated with 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser were enrolled. Our analysis revealed 100% clearance rate in all subjects (16 of 16 BCC) treated with long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser based on mean follow-up of 9 months (range 6-15 months). Minimal scarring and no long-term adverse events were noted.

Conclusions: This study supports the use of 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser as a therapeutic modality for BCC based on the absence of clinical recurrence upon a mean follow-up of 9 months. As studies progress, we are beginning to observe a potential role for laser as an alternative to patients who refuse surgery, have multiple co-morbidities, or decline non-surgical therapies. Laser treatment with 1064 nm Nd:YAG is an evolving, promising story that we continue to investigate to optimize parameters. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:34-39, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.