Management of oral leukoplakia by ablative fractional laser-assisted photodynamic therapy: A 3-year retrospective study of 48 patients.

Objectives: This study aimed to review the results of oral leucoplakia (OL) using ablative fractional laser-assisted photodynamic therapy (AFL-PDT) and to further evaluate the risk factors for recurrence and malignant transformation.

Materials And Methods: Forty-eight patients diagnosed with OL using histopathology were enrolled in this study. All patients received one session of AFL-PDT. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated 1 month posttreatment. Follow-up was scheduled every 3 months in the first year and every 6 months thereafter.

Results: An overall positive response rate of 87.5% (42/48) was achieved, including 62.5% (30/48) complete responses and 25.0% (12/48) partial responses. During the 3-year follow-up period, the recurrence and malignant transformation rates were 37.5% (18/48) and 8.3% (4/48), respectively. Lesions on gingiva/palate seemed to be associated with recurrence (p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR]: 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-2.37). The severity of epithelial dysplasia (p = 0.02; OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.96-4.42) and recurrence (p = 0.016; OR: 3.14, 95% CI: 2.04-4.84) were associated with a predisposition to malignant transformation.

Conclusions: AFL-PDT is an effective management of OL, but requires close follow-up. OL lesions on the gingiva/palate are predisposed to recurrence. OLs that recur with moderate/severe epithelial dysplasia have a higher risk of transforming into oral squamous cell carcinoma.