Clinical Management of Oral Lichen Planus: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim: The clinical management of OLP represents a considerable challenge for the oral physician. The aim of this review is to assess the main intervention used in the management of OLP and the efficacy of every type of treatment.

Materials and methods: We searched and analyzed PubMed database for articles on OLP management. Only randomized controlled trials, comparing an active treatment with placebo, or between different active treatments, were considered in this systematic review. Only patients with symptomatic OLP were included and interventions of all types were considered (topical treatment, systemic drugs, non pharmacological intervention).

Results: A total of 25 randomized controlled trials were examined and included in this review. Steroids are the most frequently employed drug in the treatment of OLP and their efficacy and safety are demonstrated. Also calcineurin inhibitors and photo-dynamic therapy are used in different studies for OLP management, with positive results.

Conclusion: Topical steroids remain the first-line treatment for symptomatic OLP, however, many different pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies would represent a valid alternative for its management, but, nowadays they require further investigations.

Keywords: Calcineurin inhibitors; OLP randomized controlled trials; OLP treatment; Photo-dynamic therapy; cytochrome P450; cytokine; gene regulation; inflammation; interleukin-6; oral lichen planus; steroids..