Photodynamic treatment outcomes of potentially‐malignant lesions and malignancies of the head and neck region: A systematic review

Abstract Aim The aim of the present study was to systematically review the efficacy of photodynamic therapy ( PDT ) in the management of oral potentially‐malignant disorders ( PMDS ) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma ( HNSCC ). Methods From 1985 to 2015, PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, EMBASE , and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched using different combinations of the following key words: PDT , oral precancer, leukoplakia, erythroplakia, erythroleukoplakia, verrucous hyperplasia, oral submucous fibrosis, and HNSCC . Review articles, experimental studies, case reports, commentaries, letters to the editor, unpublished articles, and articles published in languages other than English were excluded. Results Twenty‐six studies were included in the present study. The number of patients ranged from 2 to 147, with a mean age of 50‐67 years. The reported numbers of PMDS and HNSCC ranged between 5 and 225. Photosensitizers used were aminolevulinic acid, meta‐tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin, Foscan, hematoporphyrin derivatives, Photofrin, Photosan, and chlorine‐e6. Laser wavelength, power density, irradiation duration were 585‐652 nm, 50‐500 mW/cm 2 , and 1‐143 minutes, respectively. Complete, partial, and no response to PDT was found in 22.58%‐100%, 4%‐66%, and 0%‐38.70% of PMDS , respectively, and 16%‐100% of complete response in HNSCC patients. Conclusion PDT is effective in the management of PMDS and HNSCC .