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Photodynamic therapy for peripheral lung cancer
Tetsuya Okunaka1, Harubumi Kato, Hidemitsu Tsutsui
1Department of Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan. okunaka@topaz.ocn.ne.jp
Lung Cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|December 31, 2003
Summary
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows promise for treating early-stage peripheral lung cancer in patients ineligible for surgery. This new technique achieved partial remission in seven of nine patients with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is established for central early-stage lung cancer.
- CT screening detects early peripheral lung cancers.
- PDT is newly applied to peripheral lung cancer patients unsuitable for surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PDT for early-stage peripheral lung cancer.
- To assess PDT in patients who are not candidates for surgery or radiotherapy.
Main Methods:
- PDT administered 48 hours after Photofrin.
- Local anesthesia used for chest wall infiltration.
- CT-guided percutaneous needle insertion for catheter placement.
- Diffuser fiber positioned in the tumor via catheter for light delivery.
Main Results:
- Seven out of nine patients achieved partial remission (PR).
- Two cases of pneumothorax were the only significant complications.
- PDT demonstrated effectiveness in treating small, localized peripheral lung tumors.
Conclusions:
- PDT is a promising curative treatment for small ( < 1cm), localized peripheral lung cancer.
- It offers a viable option for patients unfit for surgery or radiotherapy.
- Expanding indications for PDT are anticipated due to quality of life considerations.