口腔癌，特别是口腔鳞状细胞癌（OSCC），其发病率和死亡率很高，对全球健康构成重大挑战。手术、放疗和化疗等常规治疗效果有限，并且可能导致不良反应。然而，作为替代方案，光动力疗法（PDT）已成为治疗口腔癌的一种有前景的选择。 PDT 涉及使用光敏剂与特定光结合来选择性地瞄准和破坏癌细胞。光敏剂在癌细胞中积聚，并在暴露于活化光时产生活性氧（ROS），导致细胞损伤并最终导致细胞死亡。 PDT 具有多种优势，包括其非侵入性、正确管理时不存在已知的长期副作用以及成本效益。它可以用作早期口腔癌的主要治疗方法，也可以与其他疗法结合用于更晚期的病例。尽管如此，值得注意的是，PDT 对于浅表或局部癌症最有效，但可能不适用于较大或深度浸润的肿瘤。可能会出现光敏感和暂时的副作用，但可以通过适当的护理来控制。正在进行的研究旨在扩大 PDT 的应用并开发新型光敏剂，以进一步提高其在口腔癌治疗中的功效。本综述旨在通过分析临床前和临床研究的结合来评估 PDT 治疗口腔癌的有效性。© 2024。作者。

Oral cancers, specifically oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), pose a significant global health challenge, with high incidence and mortality rates. Conventional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have limited effectiveness and can result in adverse reactions. However, as an alternative, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising option for treating oral cancers. PDT involves using photosensitizing agents in conjunction with specific light to target and destroy cancer cells selectively. The photosensitizers accumulate in the cancer cells and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon exposure to the activating light, leading to cellular damage and ultimately cell death. PDT offers several advantages, including its non-invasive nature, absence of known long-term side effects when administered correctly, and cost-effectiveness. It can be employed as a primary treatment for early-stage oral cancers or in combination with other therapies for more advanced cases. Nonetheless, it is important to note that PDT is most effective for superficial or localized cancers and may not be suitable for larger or deeply infiltrating tumors. Light sensitivity and temporary side effects may occur but can be managed with appropriate care. Ongoing research endeavors aim to expand the applications of PDT and develop novel photosensitizers to further enhance its efficacy in oral cancer treatment. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PDT in treating oral cancers by analyzing a combination of preclinical and clinical studies.© 2024. The Author(s).