Photodynamic therapy for recurrent gynecologic malignancy: a report on 4 cases

4 patients with recurrent gynecological malignancy were treated photodynamically, 4 d after sensitisation with intravenous meso-tetra(hydroxyphenyl)-chlorin (m-THPC) at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg bodyweight (total dose ranged from 12-15 mg). Light at 652 nm was derived from a KTP-Dye laser (Diasonic) and delivered superficially at a total light dose of 20 J/cm2 (power density of 100 mW/sec). Within 24 h necrosis occurred which was restricted to the tumor area. There was serious bleeding occurred in 1 patient. All tumors responded to PDT, however woundhealing was significantly delayed and survival times were disappointingly short.