Work

The monitoring role of non-invasive examinations on the clinical efficacy of photodynamic therapy for oral potentially malignant disorders

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Significance This study assesses clinical efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (5-ALA-PDT) for treating oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and explores the utility of toluidine blue staining and autofluorescence examination in monitoring treatment efficacy. Approach Seventy-five OPMD patients treated with 5-ALA-PDT were followed up. Lesion size and clinical presentation were recorded, while toluidine blue staining and autofluorescence were used to monitor treatment and diagnose oral epithelial dysplasia. Results Toluidine blue staining had a sensitivity of 62.2% and specificity of 42.9%, while autofluorescence showed a sensitivity of 67.2% and specificity of 64.3%. Combined, sensitivity increased to 77%, and specificity to 71.4%. After 5-ALA-PDT, 38.7% of patients achieved complete remission. Overall response rate was 92%. Persistent positive staining correlated with treatment failure. Clinical efficacy was lower in patients with worsening results in both examinations. Conclusions 5-ALA-PDT is effective for OPMDs, and toluidine blue staining and autofluorescence are valuable tools for diagnosing and monitoring treatment progress.

Source: Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy

DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2025.104916