A study of multi-beam PDT treatment in cervical cancer caused by various HPV genotype infections

Abstract

Cervical cancer, associated with persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, continues to be common among women of reproductive age. With the development of HPV molecular diagnostic techniques, a growing number of people are tested positive for various high-risk HPV genotypes, the causative agent of cervical cancer. Consequently, there is a need to develop treatment methods for such potential cervical cancer patients. Standard treatments consist of excisional methods which do not target HPV infections and have been reported to increase the risk of reproductive problems. Previous studies have shown reduced HPV levels after photodynamic therapy (PDT) and its efficacy against cervical cancer. The coordinated application of light and photosensitizer is needed to limit cell death to the lesion and preserve the surrounding healthy tissue. However, localizing light exposure can be difficult, especially in minimally accessible areas such as the cervix. To address this, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo effect of a multi-beam PDT system, in which the light beams can be individually adjusted to match the lesion’s size and shape. The findings suggest that this multi-beam PDT system has the potential of becoming a more conservative fertility-sparing option that can localize treatment and meet patients’ reproductive needs.