HiPorfin photodynamic therapy for vaginal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion

Abstract Purpose We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HiPorfin-photodynamic therapy (PDT) in women with vaginal high-grade squamous intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL). Methods Retrospective analysis of eighteen patients with vaginal HSIL received HiPorfin-PDT between June 2019 and May 2023. Illumination with a 630-nm laser light was applied to the lesions 48–72 h after intravenous injection of 2 mg/kg HiPorfin ® . The light dose to the lesions was 150 J/cm 2 . Results The mean age of the 18 patients was 45.8 years (range, 24 to 63). The complete response (CR) rate was 66.7% (12/18), 83.3% (15/18) and 83.3% (15/18) at 3, 6 and 12 months after PDT, respectively. Patients who achieved CR showed no signs of recurrence during long-term follow-up. There were three cases of persistent disease showing partial response (PR) and the lesion area was significantly reduced more than 50%. One patient with persistent disease then underwent thermocoagulation one time and subsequently showed no evidence of HSIL. Pre-treatment, 100% (18/18) patients were high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV)-positive. HPV eradication rate was 16.7% (3/18), 22.2% (4/18) and 44.4% (8/18) after PDT at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Before treatment, liquid-based cytology test ≥ atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) was 94.4% (17/18). Negative conversion ratio of cytology was 47.1% (8/17), 52.9% (9/17) and 76.5% (13/17) at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. There were no serious adverse effects during and after PDT. Conclusions HiPorfin-PDT may be an effective alternative treatment for vaginal HSIL for organ-saving and sexual function protection.