• This meta-analysis focuses on PDT for HPV-infected CIN. • A total of 6 RCTs and 973 patients were included. RCTs involved different PDT protocols and heterogeneous control groups, providing reliable evidence for the evaluation of clinical application of PDT. • PDT enhances lesion remission rates and HPV clearance without causing a substantial increase in adverse reactions compared to other therapies. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for HPV-infected cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic search was performed across PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from 2000 to 2025, targeting RCTs that compared PDT with standard conization methods or placebo. The primary outcomes assessed included histopathological response, human papillomavirus (HPV) clearance, and the rate of adverse reactions. The quality of the included RCTs was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.4.1 tool and meta-analysis was conducted to pool effect sizes. Of 270 retrieved records, 6 eligible RCTs involving 973 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that PDT significantly improved lesion remission rate (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.66, 3.11, I²=0, P 0.05). Based on the pooled data of 6 RCTs, PDT is an effective and safe therapeutic option for HPV-infected CIN, as it enhances lesion remission and HPV clearance without substantially increasing adverse reactions.
Yilin et al. (Sun,) studied this question.