EFFICIENCY OF PHOTODYNAMIC METHOD IN COMPLEX THERAPY OF LICHEN PLANUS OF THE ORAL MUCOSA

Photodynamic therapy of pathologically altered tissue is a modern, non-invasive treatment method for various inflammatory and destructive diseases. High-intensity diode radiation in the red spectrum with a wavelength of 660 nm, combined with an exogenous photosensitizer, initiate a chemical reactions releasing singlet oxygen, selectively targeting the lesion and pathogenic microbiome. Acting as a type of moderate oxidative stress, the procedure stimulates tissue regeneration. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy in the combination treatment of patients with erosive and ulcerative lichen planus of the oral mucosa. Materials and methods. The study methodology was based on a comparative analysis of treatment outcomes in patients with lichen planus of the oral mucosa, randomly assigned to groups receiving either basic pharmacotherapy or a combined course of phototherapy and pharmacotherapy. The study met all bioethical requirements, obtained voluntary consent from 63 patients, and was carried out in a randomized, prospective, clinical design. Dental examination and treatment were conducted in accordance with the Clinical Guidelines for Lichen Planus: Oral Manifestations. The dynamics of clinical manifestations were assessed at the control observation periods of days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 20. The effectiveness criteria included changes in the nature of patient complaints, reduction of inflammation, and the time to erosive lesions epithelialization. The results were statistically processed using Student's t-test at p < 0.05. Research Results: Including photodynamic therapy in the comprehensive treatment of patients with oral lichen planus significantly improved their condition, as evidenced by statistically significant changes in criterion parameters as early as day 3 (p < 0.05). The identified positive trend of reducing the total lesion area in the group receiving the combined treatment course was maintained at all follow-up periods. The relative healing coefficient, reflecting the rate of epithelialization of erosive defects, showed that in patients receiving photodynamic therapy, oral mucosal epithelial regeneration occurred three times faster than in the group without it (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The obtained data demonstrate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy in patients with erosive-ulcerative lichen planus and stimulate scientific interest in further research into optimal treatment methods.