Photodynamic Therapy in the Management of Oral Precancerous Lesions
Authors
SANA SHAKIL KHAN, AREEBA YOUSAF, AREEBA SOHAIL RIZVI, MARIAM MEHTAB and FAIZAN ABDUL HUSSAIN LAKHDIR
Abstract
Oral precancerous lesions, such as leukoplakia and erythroplakia, represent a significant health concern due to their potential for malignant transformation. This research explores the efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) as a non-invasive treatment modality in the management of these lesions. A diverse sample of 100 participants was subjected to standardized PDT protocols, with data collected to assess lesion size reduction, patient-reported outcomes, and recurrence rates during a 2-year follow-up period. The findings reveal a highly statistically significant reduction in lesion size following PDT (average reduction of 70.6%), highlighting its potential to target and eliminate these lesions effectively. Moreover, patients reported significant pain relief and a marked improvement in their quality of life, emphasizing the holistic benefits of PDT. Notably, the low recurrence rate of 8% observed suggests that PDT may inhibit the progression of precancerous lesions to malignancy. These results position PDT as a valuable and patient-centered treatment option for oral precancerous lesions. The observed immediate increase in inflammation levels post-PDT underscores the need for future research to understand the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. In conclusion, this study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting PDT as a promising approach in the management of oral precancerous lesions, offering both physical and patient-centered benefits while reducing the risk of recurrence.