EXPLORING THE IMPACTS OF AMINOLEVULINIC ACID-BASED PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY ON CERVICAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS IN WOMEN WITH HPV-RELATED CERVICAL INTRAEPITHELIAL NEOPLASIA

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the efficacy and safety of aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) in treating cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) complicated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and evaluates its impacts on physical activity and cervical health. Methods: A cohort of 112 patients with SIL and high-risk HPV from Tangshan Workers’ Hospital (July 2021 - June 2023) underwent ALA-PDT six times. Patients were categorized into low-grade SIL (LSIL, 51 patients) and high-grade SIL (HSIL, 61 patients) groups for comparison. We assessed treatment efficacy, HPV negative conversion rates, adverse reactions, and changes in inflammatory markers (IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12, IL-2, IL-4) and T lymphocyte subsets in cervical lavage fluid at 3- and 6-months post-treatment. Results: LSIL group showed a higher cure rate compared to HSIL (p < 0.05). The overall efficacy was comparable between groups (p > 0.05). Significant modulation of inflammatory factors and improvement in T lymphocyte profiles were observed, suggesting enhanced immune function. Both groups demonstrated substantial HPV negative conversion post-treatment (84.31% in LSIL vs. 86.89% in HSIL; p > 0.05) with minimal adverse reactions (9.80% in LSIL vs. 11.48% in HSIL; p > 0.05). Notably, the treatment fostered improved physical activity levels and reduced discomfort from HPV-related lesions, contributing to better overall health outcomes. Conclusion: ALA-PDT is effective for SIL associated with high-risk HPV, promoting HPV clearance and improving immune function. The treatment’s role in enhancing cervical health and enabling sustained physical activity underscores its value in comprehensive health management. Adverse reactions, while present, were manageable and did not deter from the overall benefits, indicating the therapy’s suitability for broader application.