Low-cost Screening and Image-guided Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) of Premalignant and Malignant Oral Lesions

This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using aminolevulinic acid (ALA) photosensitization for treatment of oral potentially malignant lesions (OPML) or early stage oral cancer. Eligible participants will have histopathologically confirmed high-grade dysplasia/HGD (severe/moderate dysplasia) or early stage cancer (carcinoma-in-situ, CIS) in the oral cavity. While PDT using ALA photosensitization has already been shown to be safe and effective for other indications it is not yet approved for use in treatment of oral lesions. Preliminary clinical studies have indicated that PDT is well tolerated and can achieve complete clearance of lesions with excellent healing of the oral mucosa. This study specifically seeks to evaluate the use of a new handheld optical device called the Screen, Image, and Treat Optical System (SITOS) which combines imaging and PDT light delivery. This device, which is similar in size and shape to a standard dental camera, contains integrated optics for imaging the characteristic fluorescence signal which results from ALA-induced protoporpohpryin IX photosensitization. This will be used for imaging-based guidance of light delivery for PDT, which uses a red diode laser that is also integrated into the device.

Potential study participants will be identified in screening sessions at the participating clinical sites or through referral. Those with potentially qualifying lesions and who consent to participate undergo will undergo pre-treatment investigation, including clinical information on the oral lesion, risk profile and baseline toxicity profile, and preliminary imaging.

For those who qualify for PDT treatment, photosensitization will use 5-ALA (20 mg/kg body weight 5-ALA-HCl, Gleolan) administered orally 2 to 4 hours before treatment. After administration of 5-ALA, exposure of eyes and skin to strong light sources (e.g., operating illumination, direct sunlight, or brightly focused indoor light) must be avoided for 24 hours. The lesion area to be treated will be anesthetized locally with 2% xylocaine with 1:100,000 adrenalin. If the patient or the investigator desires, he/she may undergo the procedure under general anesthesia or IV sedation. Following administration of 5-ALA, the participant will undergo image-guided SITOS-based PDT treatment. SITOS will be used in the imaging mode to establish background fluorescence before 5-ALA administration, and again after ALA photosensitization to provide visualization of the photosensitized lesion. For photoactivation, a total light dose of 100 J/cm^2 will require ~30 minutes, depending on the final irradiance generated by SITOS. This may be given in 10-minute fractions with brief breaks for comfort. At light delivery time, SITOS will be used for real-time visualization of light applicator positioning to ensure centering of the beam spot and margins around the lesion. The SITOS probe also has a snap-on collar to control spacing and beam spot size which is fixed in place. A bitewing is clipped on for stable positioning with a hygienic sleeve over the whole probe. SITOS will monitor photobleaching (the decrease in fluorescence due to photosensitizer degradation during PDT) in real time, switching to image mode with brief interruptions in light delivery (approximately ~ 1 sec). Once per minute, measurement of bleaching relative to pre-irradiation will be performed. Participants will be kept in a room without direct sunlight exposure. The patients will be discharged after 48 hours of monitoring and toxicity profile evaluation.

The lesion response will be evaluated three weeks after PDT treatment. If complete response is not observed PDT may be repeated for a maximum of three sessions total. The clinical responses will be defined as complete, partial, and not responding as per the modified RECIST criteria. The final response will be determined in three weeks after the last PDT treatment (maximum of three sessions). If the patients show complete clinical response in less than three sessions of PDT, the PDT will be stopped, and the patients will be followed up every 3 months for one year. Punch biopsy will be performed to confirm histologic response a minimum of three months after the last PDT administration. Any lesions showing histologic evidence of dysplasia are considered a persistent disease and recommended to undergo surgical excision.