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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
An In Vitro Approach to Photodynamic Therapy
Published on: August 17, 2018
Penile intraepithelial neoplasia: results of photodynamic therapy
John Paoli1, Annika Ternesten Bratel, Gun-Britt Löwhagen
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-41345 Göteborg, Sweden. john.paoli@vgregion.se
Abstract:
Failure of response to treatment or recurrent disease is often noted in patients with penile intraepithelial neoplasia. Photodynamic therapy has recently been added to the list of treatment modalities used for this diagnosis. Our primary objective was to study the results of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of penile intraepithelial neoplasia in men over the age of 40 years. Ten patients aged 42-82 years with histopathologically confirmed lesions were studied. Lesions initially responded to photo-dynamic therapy in 7 out of 10 patients. Four of these patients presented no recurrences during a mean follow-up of 35 months, and were completely cleared after 2-8 treatments (mean 4.5 treatments). Three patients presented recurrences after treatment. No patient developed invasive penile cancer (mean follow-up 46.5 months). Photodynamic therapy is an alternative in the treatment of penile intraepithelial neoplasia, although prospective randomized trials are required to provide therapeutic guidelines.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy shows promise for treating penile intraepithelial neoplasia in men over 40. While initial responses were observed in 70% of patients, further research is needed to establish definitive treatment guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Urology
Background:
- Penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) often presents challenges with treatment response and recurrence.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging treatment option for PIN.
- Limited data exists on PDT efficacy in older male populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of photodynamic therapy for penile intraepithelial neoplasia in men over 40 years of age.
- To assess treatment response, recurrence rates, and progression to invasive cancer.
Main Methods:
- A study involving ten male patients aged 42-82 years with histopathologically confirmed PIN.
- Treatment administered using photodynamic therapy.
- Follow-up to monitor lesion response, recurrence, and development of invasive cancer.
Main Results:
- Initial response to PDT was observed in 7 out of 10 patients.
- Four patients achieved complete clearance with no recurrence over a mean follow-up of 35 months (mean 4.5 treatments).
- Three patients experienced recurrence; however, no patient progressed to invasive penile cancer during a mean follow-up of 46.5 months.
Conclusions:
- Photodynamic therapy represents a viable alternative treatment for penile intraepithelial neoplasia in men over 40.
- Prospective randomized trials are necessary to establish standardized therapeutic guidelines for PDT in PIN management.
