Long Term Effectiveness of Photodynamic Therapy for CIN Treatment

Abstract

(1) Background: Cervical cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. The highest incidence rates are in Africa, followed by South-Central Asia and South America. According to the Brazilian National Institute of Cancer (INCA), 16,370 new cases of cervical cancer were estimated for each year of the biennium of 2018–2019. About 90% of cervical cancers originate from the malignant progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) which is classified based on cytohistological characteristics (low- and high-grade lesions). The present study reports the long-term effectiveness of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) for CIN grades 1 and 2/3 with up to two years of follow up. (2) Methods: A total of 56 patients with CIN 1, ten with CIN 2, and 14 patients for the placebo group were enrolled in this study. (3) Results: 75% (n = 42) of CIN 1 patients presented a complete response to PDT and only 23.2% (n = 13) of recurrence, progression, and/or lesions remaining two years after PDT. For CIN 2/3 patients, 90% were observed to be cured after one and two years of follow up. (4) Conclusions: PDT presented best results two years after a non-invasive, fast, and low-cost procedure and in comparison with the placebo group, preventing the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and preserving the cervix.