['The recurrence of port-wine stain (PWS) blood vessels by pulsed dye laser (PDL)-induced angiogenesis is a critical barrier that must be overcome to achieve a better therapeutic outcome.', 'To determine whether PDL-induced angiogenesis can be suppressed by topical axitinib.', 'The mRNA expression profiles of 86 angiogenic genes and phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERKs), phosphorylated protein kinase B (AKT) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) in rodent skin were examined with or without topical axitinib administration after PDL exposure.', 'The PDL-induced increased transcriptional levels of angiogenic genes peaked at days 3-7 post-PDL exposure. Topical application of 0·5% axitinib effectively suppressed the PDL-induced increase in mRNA levels of the examined angiogenic genes and activation of AKT, P70S6K and ERK from days 1 to 7 post-PDL exposure. After topical administration, axitinib penetrated into rodent skin to an approximate depth of 929·5\xa0μm.'] Does topical axitinib suppress angiogenesis pathways induced by pulsed dye laser?