Photodynamic treatment of oral lichen planus.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study was to examine the clinical behavior and response to topical methyl 5-aminolevulinate (MAL) photodynamic therapy (PDT) of oral lichen planus and to describe the buildup and biodistribution of photoactive porphyrins in normal and lichen planus-affected oral mucosa after MAL application.

STUDY DESIGN:

The difference in clinical expression in 14 patients with buccal oral lichen planus was compared before and after treatment. MAL-induced photoactive porphyrins were monitored using noninvasive in situ fluorescence measurements. Microfluorometry was used to study the biodistribution.

RESULTS:

The absorption and conversion of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in epithelial and subepithelial T cells was demonstrated in histologic sections. As a result of 1 treatment session, there was a significant improvement of oral lichen planus after 6 months (P = 0.02) and during a 4-year follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS:

MAL is absorbed and converted to PpIX in T cells. Oral lichen planus treated with MAL-PDT showed lasting improvement after a single treatment.

• Authors: Sigrid I Kvaal, Even Angell-Petersen, Trond Warloe
• Journal: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol) Vol. 115 Issue 1 Pg. 62-70 (Jan 2013) ISSN: 2212-4411 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23217536 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Photosensitizing Agents
• methyl 5-aminolevulinate
• Aminolevulinic Acid

Topics

• Aminolevulinic Acid (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Cytophotometry
• Female
• Humans
• Lichen Planus, Oral (drug therapy)
• Male
• Photochemotherapy (methods)
• Photosensitizing Agents (therapeutic use)
• Prospective Studies
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Treatment Outcome