Methyl Aminolevulinate Photodynamic Therapy Induces Autophagy in Oral Precancer Cells

Objectives: Oral cancer is a prevalent cancer with high mortality worldwide. While surgery is the most effective treatment for oral cancer, it frequently causes deformity and dysfunction in the oral and facial regions. In this study, the application of methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT) as a function-preserving therapy for oral precancer lesions is explored.
Methods: For in vitro studies, transmission electron microscope, fluorescent microscope and Western blot analyses were applied. For in vivo study, DMBA was used to induce oral precancer lesion in hamsters, followed by MAL-PDT treatment. After sacrifice, the lesions at buccal pouch were analyzed and processed by H&E and immunohistochemistry analysis.
Results: Using transmission electron microscope, fluorescent microscope and Western blot analysis, we observed that MAL-PDT kills DOK oral precancer cells by autophagy through AKT/ERK pathway. Furthermore, DMBA-induced precancer lesions in the buccal pouch were significantly improved after MAL-PDT treatment.
Conclusions: MAL-PDT may provide a mini-invasive and function-preserving choice for the patients with oral precancer lesions.