Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using topically applied δ‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) for the treatment of oral leukoplakia

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive method for topical and selective treatment of pre-malignant lesions of oral cavity. The aim of our study was to determine therapeutic response to PDT in patients with oral leukoplakia. METHODS: Twelve patients participated in our study. Lesions affected a variety of intraoral sites. The most common location was buccal, gingival and mandibular mucosa. Patients were treated with topically applied 10% delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and light from an argon-pumped dye laser. Irradiation was performed in several (6-8) sessions using light at 635 nm wavelength, delivering a total dose of 100 J/cm2 per session. RESULTS: A complete response was obtained in 10 out of 12 treated patients. One recurrence was observed during 6 months. CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy appears to be a feasible alternative to conventional therapy of pre-malignant lesions of oral cavity.