Methylene blue-mediated photodynamic therapy: a possible alternative treatment for oral lichen planus

Abstract

Background and objectives: In this study, methylene blue-mediated photodynamic therapy (MB-PDT) was used as a possible alternative method for the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP).

Study design/materials and methods: Thirteen patients with 26 OLP lesions were enrolled in this study. Patients were instructed to gargle a 5% methylene blue solution in water for 5 minutes. Ten minutes later, irradiation was performed by laser light (lambda = 632 nm, light exposure dose = 120 J/cm(2)). Lesions were evaluated pre and post-operatively and at follow-up sessions by changes in sign and symptom (pain) scores, and size of lesions.

Results: Improvement in sign scores was achieved in 16 lesions. Four keratotic lesions disappeared completely. There was a statistically significant decrease in sign and symptom scores 1 week after treatment and at follow-up sessions up to 12 weeks. Average reduction in size of lesions was 44.3%.

Conclusion: MB-PDT seems to be an effective alternative treatment for control of OLP. In our opinion, this preliminary result warrant further studies in order to show the efficacy of MB-PDT in control of OLP for a longer period of time.