Human papillomavirus DNA detection-guided ALA-photodynamic therapy for anogenital condyloma acuminata: a report of two cases.

5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a highly effective, safe, and promising treatment for human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced anogenital condyloma acuminata (CA). Specific HPV subtypes are responsible for the pathogenesis of CA and dynamic changes in viral loads may reflect the efficiency of PDT. Here we present two cases of anogenital CA successfully treated by ALA-PDT under the guidance of HPV DNA detection including genotype identification and viral load measurement, which provided clues for unexpected intra-anal infection. Both of these male patients were free of detectable HPV at the end of the treatment and no recurrence was observed after 1 year. We conclude that the HPV DNA detection can accurately guide ALA-PDT, indicate unnoticed lesions, as well as improve and evaluate the efficiency.