Continuous artificial intelligence-assisted DNA aneuploidy cytology for surveilling dysplastic oral leukoplakia treated by photodynamic therapy

Oral leukoplakia (OLK) is one of the most common potentially malignant disorders. High-risk lesions require early intervention before developing into oral cancer. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a noninvasive technique for premalignant lesions. Scalpel biopsy remains a reliable method for monitoring the prognosis of OLK, but it is an invasive procedure with poor reproducibility to suspicious lesions. DNA aneuploidy cytology by oral cytobrush has been proposed as a promising objective and noninvasive tool in screening and diagnosing premalignant and malignant lesions. Here, we discussed the significance of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted DNA aneuploidy cytology by image cytometry (DNA-ICM) for surveilling non-homogeneous OLK with moderate-to-severe dysplasia that was treated by 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated PDT (ALA-PDT). The present study provides a scheme of the sequential management and surveillance strategy for OLK.

Automated summary

Oral leukoplakia is a common potentially malignant disorder that can develop into oral cancer. Photodynamic therapy is a noninvasive approach for treating premalignant lesions. DNA aneuploidy cytology by oral cytobrush is a promising objective and noninvasive tool for screening and diagnosing premalignant and malignant lesions. This study highlights the importance of AI-assisted DNA aneuploidy cytology for monitoring non-homogeneous oral leukoplakia treated with ALA-PDT.