In Vivo Monitoring of Photodynamic Therapy Efficacy in Photoaged Skin Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Skin aging, particularly due to UV radiation, is a significant health concern. This study explored the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for in vivo assessment of photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy in treating photoaged skin. A photoaged skin model was created in SKH-1 hairless mice exposed to UV radiation, followed by PDT using STBF cream and varying light doses. OCT imaging was employed to visualize skin morphology and monitor treatment response, correlating findings with histopathology. Results showed that STBF-PDT significantly improved skin roughness, laxity, and wrinkles, with OCT revealing epidermal thinning and changes in dermal grayscale values, indicating repair of dermal-epidermal junction damage and collagen remodeling. Our findings suggest that OCT is an effective tool for monitoring PDT response in photoaging, providing direct evidence of treatment efficacy and offering advantages over traditional imaging methods, which may enhance personalized treatment strategies.