[Photodynamic treatment of bladder cancer. Report of 117 cases]

The clinical data on photodynamic treatment of bladder carcinoma in 117 patients confirmed that the treatment of bladder carcinoma of 1 cm to 2 cm in diameter may obtain better results. Carcinoma of 2-4 cm in diameter should be treated with increasing energy density and repeated exposure. If the carcinoma is larger than 4 cm in diameter or is involving the deep muscle and the cervix of the bladder, the treatment would be unsatisfactory. The tumor free rate in the 117 patients was 94%. The total recurrence rate was 30.1% after 8 years' follow-up. Finally, the indications for photodynamic treatment and the causes of recurrence were discussed.