LAUSR

BACKGROUND Lip skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) removed by surgery may cause lip dysfunction due to the special location. ALA-PDT (5-Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy) is a minimally invasive treatment for superficial SCC in situ. However, few studies reported the use of topical ALA-PDT to manage lip SCC. METHODS Between 2015 and 2017, 6 patients with Tis to T1 lip squamous cell carcinoma were treated with topical ALA-PDT at Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital. Clinical responses and side effect were evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) at 1 month, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months after ALA-PDT. RESULTS All of the 6 patients achieved complete response (CR) by 2 to 7 sessions of ALA-PDT. There was no relapse during 24 months follow up for 4 patients. Two out of 6 patients relapsed at 10 months and 20 months post PDT but achieved CR again by 1-3 more sessions of PDT. There was no functional or aesthetic problem. CONCLUSION Topical 5-Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic as potential alternative therapeutic option for early-stage lip squamous cell carcinoma.