Efficacy and influencing factors of photodynamic therapy in treating cervical low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in treating cervical low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and to identify factors influencing treatment outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) treatment of 93 women diagnosed with cervical LSIL and concurrent high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection. Follow-up assessments of HPV, cytology and colposcope were performed at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

At the 6-month follow-up, pathological regression was observed in 79.8% (71/89) of patients and HR-HPV in clearance 65.2% (58/89). By 12 months the regression rate increased to 85.9% (73/85) and HR-HPV clearance rate to 78.8% (67/85), while one patient experienced disease progression. Analysis indicated that HPV vaccination history was associated with LSIL reversal and HPV clearance at 6 months (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ALA-PDT is effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of LSIL patients with HR-HPV infection, with outcomes influenced by prior HPV vaccination. The combination of vaccination and PDT may yield synergistic therapeutic benefits for cervical lesions.