Photodynamic Therapy in Oral Cancer: A Narrative Review.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Photomedicine
• Head and Neck Surgery

Background:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes a photosensitizer and light to target pre-malignancies and malignancies.
• PDT has shown promise in reducing disfigurement and morbidity in various cancers.
• It is a minimally invasive treatment applicable in outpatient settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of PDT in managing head and neck cancers (HNCs).
• To provide an overview of recent advances in PDT for HNCs.
• To assess PDT's efficiency in improving long-term quality of life for HNC patients.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
• English-language articles were selected based on titles, abstracts, and full texts.
• Narrative review methodology was employed.

Main Results:

• PDT generates cytotoxic free radicals that kill tumor cells and impair tumor microvasculature.
• PDT is well-accepted by patients and can be used alone or with other treatments.
• Effectiveness depends on lesion depth; safety is acceptable, but irradiation depth is limited.

Conclusions:

• PDT is highly applicable for early-diagnosed and superficial head and neck cancers.
• It offers a promising approach for improving functional outcomes as an adjuvant therapy.
• Further research is needed for its application in oral malignancies due to depth limitations.