Work

Real-world clinical outcomes of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1) is generally managed by observation because spontaneous regression is common and progression to high-grade disease is uncommon. Nevertheless, some patients with persistent HPV infection or repeated low-grade abnormalities may elect active treatment after appropriate counseling. This study aimed to describe the clinical outcomes and safety of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) in patients with CIN1 who underwent active treatment. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 269 patients with CIN1 who underwent ALA-PDT at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital between July 2021 and July 2025. All patients received six sessions of ALA-PDT at intervals of 7-14 days. HPV status and ThinPrep cytologic test (TCT) results were assessed before treatment and during follow-up at 3 months (± 1 month) and, in some patients, at 6 months (± 1 month) after treatment. HPV clearance, cytological improvement, and treatment-related adverse events were analyzed. Results: Among the 266 HPV-positive patients, 155 patients (58.27%) had a negative HPV result at the predefined 3-month follow-up. At 3 months, 205 of 247 patients (83.00%) with available cytological assessment had NILM cytology. No serious adverse events were observed during treatment or follow-up. Conclusions: In this retrospective cohort study, HPV negativity and improved cytological findings were observed during follow-up after ALA-PDT, together with an acceptable safety profile and no serious adverse events.

Source: Frontiers in Oncology

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2026.1896229