Oral Leukoplakia Medication

Updated: Jun 19, 2023
  • Author: Christopher M Harris, MD, DMD; Chief Editor: Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

Topical retinoids are ineffective. Systemic retinoids may be effective, but they have toxic effects. Studies that investigated the use of a high-dose induction followed by low-dose systemic isotretinoin report stabilization of the majority of lesions, a more effective response than beta-carotene in preventing malignant changes, and no toxicity. [20] Recently, studies report that beta-carotene produced sustained remissions in patients with oral leukoplakia (OL), with a durable response for at least 1 year. [21] Both of these drugs have been used in experimental trials and must be investigated in more depth.