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Research: LODI et al., Di
Listed in Issue 84
Abstract
LODI et al., Dipartimento di Medicina Chirurgia e Odontaria, Universita degli Studi di Milano, Italia, E: giovanni.lodi@unimi.it, reviewed (38 references ) randomized trials for the treatment of oral leukoplakia .
Background
Oral leukoplakia is a relatively common oral lesion that undergoes malignant transformation in varying proportions of cases. The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of treatments for leukoplakia.
Methodology
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by searching medical databases, hand-searching relevant specialist journals, and contacting oral medicine specialists throughout Europe. RCTs were assessed for quality on the basis of method of allocation concealment, blindness of the study, and loss of participants. Data were analyzed by calculating relative risk of malignant transformation which was the main outcome in the studies.
Results
Six studies were included in the review . Four tested vitamin A and retinoids ; the other agents tested were bleomycin, mixed tea, and beta carotene . None of the treatments tested showed a benefit when compared to placebo. Treatment with beta carotene and vitamin A or retinoids was associated with better rates of clinical remission . It is noteworthy that the possible effectiveness of surgical interventions including laser therapy and cryotherapy has never been studied in an RCT .
Conclusion
To date there is no evidence of effective treatment preventing malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia .
References
Lodi G, Sardella A, Bez C, Demarosi F, Carrassi A. Systematic review of randomized trials for the treatment of oral leukoplakia. Journal of Dental Education 66 (8): 896-902, Aug 2002.
