Effect and rational application of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) for treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia

•5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) photodynamic therapy(PDT) can simultaneously treat cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia(VAIN).•5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) photodynamic therapy(PDT) has no serious adverse reactions and can maintain the structural and functional integrity of the target organ. It is a good choice especially for patients with fertility requirements.•5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) photodynamic therapy(PDT) had a long-term effect on HPV clearance.•For patients with endocervical canal lesions involvement or atypical blood vessels, the effect of 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) photodynamic therapy(PDT) was relatively poor.