ALA-Induced Fluorescence in the Canine Oral Cavity

Objective: We examined whether 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) could enhance the spectroscopic contrast between normal and diseased oral tissues, without prolonged photosensitivity. Background Data: ALA is a promising photosensitizing agent. Methods: Adose of 25 mg/kg of ALA was administered intravenously to five dogs with gingivitis and three dogs with oral cancer, respectively. Fluorescence was recorded from the diseased sites in the oral cavity in addition to normal sites. Results: ALA-induced proto-porphyrin IX fluorescence at all gingivitis sites reached a peak in 2–3 h and returned to baseline in 24 h. Fluorescence from the gingivitis site was observed earlier and was higher than the fluorescence from the normal site. For dogs with cancer, fluorescence from the cancerous sites occurred earlier in time compared to gingivitis sites and was comparatively higher in intensity. Conclusion: The fluorescence from the diseased sites was found to be higher than the normal site. Clinical and fluorescence data suggest that a dose of 25 mg/kg may be satisfactory for diagnostic purposes and would have minimal side effects.