Analysis of subjective efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy in the treatment of refractory vulvar lichen sclerosus.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the therapeutic effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) in refractory Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) patients.

METHODS

This prospective study enrolled a total of 60 patients with refractory VLS. These patients received 6 sessions of ALA-PDT treatment. Follow-ups were conducted at 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment to evaluate the improvement of patients' subjective symptom and objective clinical signs. In addition, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to assess the quality of life (QoL) of patients after treatment.

RESULTS

Significant reductions were observed in both itching and burning pain scores post-treatment (p < 0.05). Objective clinical signs also demonstrated marked improvement (p < 0.01). At 12 months after treatment, 53 of 60 patients (88.33%) achieved clinically significant response (defined as ≥50% reduction in symptom scores). The DLQI score decreased from 20 points before treatment to 4, 2, and 3, indicating enhanced QoL. Most adverse reactions were mild and resolved with supportive care.

CONCLUSION

ALA-PDT represents a promising therapeutic alternative for refractory VLS, offering sustained symptom relief and objective clinical improvement with a favorable safety profile.