Hematoporphyrin derivative-photodynamic therapy (HpD-PDT) for extensive vulvar and vaginal Bowen's disease: A case report.

Journal: Photodiagnosis And Photodynamic Therapy
Published:
Abstract

Bowen's disease (BD) is an intraepithelial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that commonly affects older individuals, with the vulva being a prevalent site in women. Lesions within the vagina pose a particular challenge for surgical treatment, often compromising both functional integrity and cosmesis. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging, safe, and non-invasive technique utilizing a photosensitizer and a specific light source, widely applied in the treatment of malignancies and skin diseases. We report the case of a 74-year-old woman presenting with a large, dark brown patch on the vulva, histopathologically confirmed as BD. The patient also had lesions within the vagina. Hematoporphyrin derivative-photodynamic therapy (HpD-PDT) was administered, with an optical fiber used for targeted treatment of the vaginal lesions. Complete resolution of the lesions was observed after a single treatment. A follow-up biopsy at 7 months post-treatment revealed no residual tumor cells. The patient remains disease-free at 2 years follow-up and continues to be monitored. This case suggests that HpD-PDT is a viable treatment option for BD, and may be particularly advantageous for elderly patients with extensive or vaginally located lesions, where preserving function and cosmesis is paramount.

Authors
Xiaoqing Xiang, Yanliang Li, Can Shi, Runqun Liu, Guozhang Ma, Yunyun Cao, Lianheng Xia, Jie Gao