5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy combined with carbon dioxide laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment for vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia.

BACKGROUND

Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN) is a precursor of vaginal carcinoma that is often treated with CO2 laser therapy. However, recurrence after laser therapy is common, so new approaches are needed to enhance treatment effectiveness. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of combining 5- aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (5-ALA-PDT) with CO2 laser therapy for the treatment of VaIN.

METHODS

Clinical data from 40 VaIN patients who received CO2 laser therapy with or without ALA-PDT were retrospectively analyzed. Cytology, human papillomavirus (HPV) status, colposcopic images, and histopathology before and after treatment were compared, and treatment efficacy, adverse reactions, and patient prognosis were assessed.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the cure rate between the CO2 laser group and the CO2 laser+5-ALA-PDT group after 12 months of follow-up. The difference in HPV clearance rate between the CO2 laser only group and the CO2 laser + 5-ALA-PDT group was significant at 6 and 12 months after treatment but not at 3 months after treatment. 10% patients in the CO2 laser only group experienced adverse events, while no serious adverse events were observed in the CO2 laser + 5-ALA-PDT group.

CONCLUSIONS

5-ALA-PDT combined with CO2 laser therapy appears to be a safe and effective treatment for VaIN that results in a high rate of HPV clearance with few side effects.