Clinical evaluation of photodynamic therapy efficacy in the treatment of oral leukoplakia.

Summary Background The aim of the study was clinical evaluation of photodynamic therapy efficacy in the treatment of oral leukoplakia lesions. Methods Twenty-three consecutive patients aged 21–79 were included to the study. In all patients 44 homogeneous, flat leukoplakia lesions were clinically diagnosed and confirmed histopathologically. Photodynamic therapy was performed with the use of Photolon ® photosensitizer, containing 20% Chlorine-e6 and 10% dimethyl sulfoxide and a semiconductor laser, with power up to 300 mW and a wavelength of 660 nm. Ten illumination sessions were conducted with the use of superficial light energy density of 90 J/cm 2 . Results At baseline the mean size of leukoplakia lesion was 6.5 ± 5.10 cm 2 while after photodynamic therapy 3 ± 2.99 cm 2 . Significant reduction (on average by 53.8%) of leukoplakia lesions sizes was observed after therapy. Twelve (27.27%) lesions had been completely cured, 22 (50%) partially cured, although 10 (22.73%) lasted unchanged. The efficacy of PTD was comparable in women and men irrespective of age. There have been no adverse site effects during therapy noted. Conclusions Within the limits of the study it can be concluded that photodynamic therapy with the use of Chlorine-e6 can lead to considerable reduction of oral leukoplakia lesions size thus may be useful in clinical practice. However there is a need of further studies on larger number of cases and longer follow-up time.