Abstract:

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a novel, non-invasive treatment modality based on topical or systemic application of photosensitizer, which concentrates photosensitizer specifically at the lesion site. When the lesion site is irradiated with the appropriate wavelength of light, photosensitizer is initiate the activation process by the absorption of light energy, thus plays a role in the selective destruction of diseased cells. PDT is mainly used to treat skin and mucosal lesions or tumors. It has the characteristics of small trauma, good selectivity, repeatable treatment, and protection of organ structure and function. As the incidence of female genital tract diseases tends to be younger, people′s requirements for preserving the original organ structure and reproductive function protection after treatment are increasing. In order to avoid the side effects of scar, ulceration, organ structure or function injury caused by traditional treatment methods, in recent years, the application of PDT in female condyloma acuminatum, cervical/vaginal squamous intraepithelial lesions, and vulvar lesions has gradually expanded and played its advantages.

Key words: Photochemotherapy, Female urogenital diseases, Reproductive tract infections, Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, Papillomavirus infections