A phase I trial of aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy for treatment of oral leukoplakia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Photodynamic therapy with aminolevulinic acid (ALA PDT) for oral leukoplakia has shown promising effects in regression of oral leukoplakia. Although ALA has been extensively studied and is an ideal photosensitizer, the optimal light dose for treatment of oral leukoplakia has not been determined. We conducted a phase I study to determine MTD and DLT of PDT in patients treated with ALA for leukoplakia.

METHODS:

Patients with histologically confirmed oral leukoplakia received a single treatment of ALA PDT in cohorts with escalating doses of light (585nm). Clinical, histologic, and biologic markers were assessed.

RESULTS:

Analysis of 11 participants is reported. No significant toxicity from ALA PDT was observed in patients who received ALA with a light dose of up to 4J/cm(2). One participant experienced transient grade 3 transaminase elevation due to ALA. One participant had a partial clinical response 3months after treatment. Biologic mucosal risk markers showed no significant associations. Determination of MTD could not be accomplished within a feasible timeframe for completion of the study.

CONCLUSIONS:

ALA PDT could be safely administered with a light dose up to 4J/cm(2) and demonstrated activity. Larger studies are needed to fully elucidate the MTD and efficacy of ALA-PDT.

• Authors: Stuart J Wong, Bruce Campbell, Becky Massey, Denis P Lynch, Ezra E W Cohen, Elizabeth Blair, Rebecca Selle, Julia Shklovskaya, Borko D Jovanovic, Silvia Skripkauskas, Alexander Dew, Peter Kulesza, Vamsi Parimi, Raymond C Bergan, Eva Szabo
• Journal: Oral oncology (Oral Oncol) Vol. 49 Issue 9 Pg. 970-976 (Sep 2013) ISSN: 1879-0593 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23845699 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Phase I, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Photosensitizing Agents
• Aminolevulinic Acid

Topics

• Aminolevulinic Acid (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Leukoplakia, Oral (drug therapy)
• Photochemotherapy
• Photosensitizing Agents (therapeutic use)