Photodynamic therapy for oral potentially malignant disorders after surgical treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma: a case series study

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) often develops from oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD). Even after complete resection of the tumor and surrounding OPMD lesion, recurrence is common. In this study, we reported the short-term and long-term efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for OPMD developed after surgical treatment of OSCC. Clinicopathological features and follow-up data of the patients were collected and analyzed. 15 OPMD cases developed after surgical treatment of OSCC and treated with PDT were collected. 4 had complete response after PDT and 8 had partial response. In an average follow-up time of 20.2 months, 8 cases develop OSCC again. PDT is safe and effective for OPMDs after surgical treatment of OSCC, the minimal invasiveness of PDT makes it preferable in preserving the structure and function of oral cavity, however, frequent monitoring is still needed due to the high risk of malignant transformation of these lesions.