Mexican researcher Eva Ramón Gallegos has made significant contributions to the treatment of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Among these, she highlights the use of photodynamic therapy, a non-invasive method that has shown positive results in women with viral infection and early cervical lesions.

The scientific work of Dr. Eva Ramón-Gallegos

Dr. Eva Ramón-Gallegos, a Mexican researcher, participated in a clinical study that evaluated the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy as a treatment for VPH infection. Her research focused on women diagnosed with the virus, some with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade I (CIN I) and others without premalignant lesions.

The study was conducted in Mexico City and analyzed 29 women under a controlled protocol. All participants received a treatment based on 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), a compound that acts as a photosensitizer and preferentially accumulates in infected or abnormal cells.

After activation of the drug using a specific light source, a selective cell-destruction process was triggered. This mechanism made it possible to target cells affected by VPH without damaging surrounding healthy tissue, one of the main advantages of the procedure.

The results showed that, after six months of follow-up, VPH elimination was achieved in 100% of the patients included in the study. In cases where virus and lesions coexisted, regression reached 64.3%, while in women with lesions without viral presence, effectiveness was 57.2%.

How photodynamic therapy works against VPH

Photodynamic therapy combines three essential elements: a photosensitizing drug, oxygen present in tissues, and a light source with a specific wavelength. In this case, the compound used was 5-ALA, widely studied in medical applications.

Once administered, the drug is transformed inside altered cells into a photosensitive substance. When exposed to light, reactive oxygen species are produced, inducing the death of cells infected by VPH.

This process is highly selective, which reduces side effects and avoids surgical procedures. In addition, the therapy can be applied on an outpatient basis, making it more accessible and less aggressive for patients.

Another relevant aspect is that the therapy not only acts on VPH, but can also promote regeneration of the cervical epithelium, helping the regression of low-grade lesions without compromising fertility.

What these scientific results really mean

Although the study results are scientifically valid and peer-reviewed, they must be interpreted with caution. This is research with a limited sample size, which is common in early clinical studies.

The total elimination of VPH observed in this group does not imply that the therapy is a universal cure for all types of VPH or for all patients. Medical science requires larger studies, with more diverse populations and long-term follow-up.

Nevertheless, these findings represent solid evidence that photodynamic therapy can be a real alternative to more invasive treatments, especially in early stages of VPH infection.

The value of the study lies in demonstrating that Mexican research can generate clinically relevant knowledge with potential impact on public health.

Photodynamic therapy applied to VPH has scientific backing and promising results. The work led by Mexican researchers, including Dr. Eva Ramón-Gallegos, provides real clinical evidence that opens new therapeutic possibilities, although it still requires validation in larger studies.

Reference:

• Photochemistry and Photobiology / Elimination of Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Pathological Microbiota with Photodynamic Therapy in Women from Mexico City with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia I. Link

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