Clinical and Histopathological Evaluation of Photodynamic Therapy Associated with The Low-Level Laser Therapy on Patients with Actinic Cheilitis - A Six-Month Follow-Up Trial

Abstract

Objective: the aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and histopathological efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) associated with the low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of patients with Actinic Cheilitis (AC) after a six-month follow-up. Material and Methods: patients with active AC undergone through two sessions of PDT, associated with the low-level laser therapy using the Methyl 5-aminolevulinate as a photosensybilizer drug. After a six-month follow-up, a new incisional biopsy was performed in order to evaluate the response to treatment. Results: excellent efficacy rates were observed in the improvement of symptoms in this study, however, histopathological analysis was not so promising and the improvement of dysplasia degree could only be seen in 20% of the sample. Conclusion: according to the results of the present study, we concluded that the photodynamic therapy associated with low-level laser therapy is an option to be considered when treating Actinic
Cheilits. However, patients should be clinically followed-up in a severing agenda and eventually, histopathologically