A pilot study of photodynamic therapy in patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer

26 patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) with intravenous Photofrin II 2 mg/kg. 10 out of 11 stage I patients achieved a complete response. The remaining patient, and 11 out of 15 stage III patients had a partial response. No response was seen in 4 patients, 2 of whom had inadequate illumination. Thus, the objective response rate was 85% (22/26). Although lung function did not improve, dyspnoea was ameliorated in 7 (58%) of the partial responders. 4 stage III patients had tumour progression and died of pulmonary haemorrhages 1.5-6 months after PDT. All had received external irradiation, Nd-YAG laser and/or brachytherapy before PDT. 4 patients had grade I-II skin photosensitivity. Although of value in stage I NSCLC, the clinical benefit of PDT in stage III disease was small.