Photodynamic Therapy in Management of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Review

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2026.07.001

Abstract

Abstract: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are a group of mucosal diseases characterized by abnormal changes of the oral mucosa with potential risk of malignant transformation. Clinical treatment aims to alleviate symptoms, eliminate lesions, and prevent cancer development. Conventional methods, such as surgery and pharmacotherapy, are associated with limitations including invasiveness, significant side effects, and poor patient compliance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), as a minimally invasive and precisely targeted treatment modality, has demonstrated promising outcomes in the management of OPMDs. This review summarizes recent advances in the clinical application of PDT for major OPMD subtypes, including oral leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, and oral submucous fibrosis. It evaluates the efficacy and safety of PDT, discusses current challenges, and suggests future directions, with the goal of providing a reference for standardizing PDT protocols and guiding further research.

Key words: oral potentially malignant disorders, photodynamic therapy, oral leukoplakia, oral lichen planus

QIN Niuyu, MA Liwei. Photodynamic Therapy in Management of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Review[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2026, 42(7): 555-559.

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