5‐aminolevulinic acid‐based photodynamic therapy for the treatment of condylomata acuminata in C hinese patients: a meta‐analysis

Summary Objective This meta‐analysis was designed to assess the efficacy of topical 5‐aminolaevulinic acid ( ALA ) photodynamic therapy ( PDT ) in C hinese patients with condylomata acuminata ( CA ). Methods Electronic literature databases ( M edline, E mbase, C ochrane L ibrary, C hina N ational K nowledge I nfrastructure, and W anfang database) were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials ( RCTs ) published prior to O ctober 2012. Only RCTs that compared ALA‐PDT to non‐ ALA ‐ PDT for patients with genital condylomata were selected. The outcomes included the recurrence rate and adverse events. The risk ratios ( RRs ) and 95% confidence intervals ( CIs ) were calculated as the ALA‐PDT vs. without ALA‐PDT . Results Twenty RCTs composed of 1903 patients ( ALA‐PDT , n = 1106; non‐ ALA ‐ PDT , n = 797) were included in the meta‐analysis. ALA‐PDT decreased the recurrence rate within 12 week after treatment (vs. without ALA‐PDT , RR : 0.28, 95% CI : 0.22–0.35) and 24 week after treatment (vs. without ALA‐PDT , RR : 0.24, 95% CI : 0.17–0.34) in a fixed‐effect model. The common adverse events related ALA‐PDT included a mild burning and/or stinging sensation, erythema, mild edema, erosion, and hyperpigmentation. Conclusion Local application of ALA‐PDT reduced recurrence rate vs. without ALA‐PDT . The use of ALA ‐ PDT should be considered as a feasible therapy for the treatment of CA .