Randomized Controlled Trials for Oral Leukoplakia.

2025-06-02
Oral diseases 31(11)
- Michele Lodolo
- Michele Lodolo
- Jack Valor
- Alessandro Villa

PubMed: 40457716
DOI: 10.1111/odi.15399

Study Design

Type: Review
Sample size: n = 7
Methods: reviewed all randomized controlled trials on oral leukoplakia published in PubMed from 2014 to 2024 (n = 7)

Oral leukoplakia is a white plaque with an increased risk of malignant transformation. Despite available treatment options such as active surveillance, surgical excision, laser ablation, and topical or systemic therapies, there is still a risk of recurrence and malignant transformation. We reviewed all randomized controlled trials on oral leukoplakia published in PubMed from 2014 to 2024 (n = 7) to identify emerging treatment strategies. These studies assessed the efficacy of topical Moringa oleifera, curcumin, beta-carotene with vitamin C, scalpel excision, carbon dioxide and diode laser ablation, and photodynamic therapy in the treatment of oral leukoplakia. Some interventions showed reductions in lesion size or short-term recurrence, but none proved effective in preventing long-term recurrence or malignant transformation. Data remain limited, and further rigorously designed, large randomized controlled trials are needed to guide potential new management approaches for oral leukoplakia.

Research Insights

Moringa→Prevented Malignant Transformation
none proved effective in preventing long-term recurrence or malignant transformation
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Moringa→Reduced Lesion Size
These studies assessed the efficacy of topical Moringa oleifera, curcumin, beta-carotene with vitamin C, scalpel excision, carbon dioxide and diode laser ablation, and photodynamic therapy in the treatment of oral leukoplakia. Some interventions showed reductions in lesion size or short-term recurrence
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Moringa→Reduced Long-term Recurrence
none proved effective in preventing long-term recurrence or malignant transformation
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Moringa→Reduced Short-term Recurrence
Some interventions showed reductions in lesion size or short-term recurrence, but none proved effective in preventing long-term recurrence or malignant transformation.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Turmeric→Prevented Malignant Transformation
none proved effective in preventing long-term recurrence or malignant transformation
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Turmeric→Reduced Lesion Size
These studies assessed the efficacy of topical Moringa oleifera, curcumin, beta-carotene with vitamin C, scalpel excision, carbon dioxide and diode laser ablation, and photodynamic therapy in the treatment of oral leukoplakia. Some interventions showed reductions in lesion size or short-term recurrence
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Turmeric→Reduced Long-term Recurrence
none proved effective in preventing long-term recurrence or malignant transformation
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Turmeric→Reduced Short-term Recurrence
Some interventions showed reductions in lesion size or short-term recurrence, but none proved effective in preventing long-term recurrence or malignant transformation.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Vitamin C→Prevented Malignant Transformation
none proved effective in preventing long-term recurrence or malignant transformation
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Vitamin C→Reduced Lesion Size
These studies assessed the efficacy of topical Moringa oleifera, curcumin, beta-carotene with vitamin C, scalpel excision, carbon dioxide and diode laser ablation, and photodynamic therapy in the treatment of oral leukoplakia. Some interventions showed reductions in lesion size or short-term recurrence
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Vitamin C→Reduced Long-term Recurrence
none proved effective in preventing long-term recurrence or malignant transformation
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Vitamin C→Reduced Short-term Recurrence
Some interventions showed reductions in lesion size or short-term recurrence, but none proved effective in preventing long-term recurrence or malignant transformation.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small