The effect of Radachlorin® PDT in advanced NSCLC: a pilot study

Palliative effect of PDT in advanced NSCLC has been proven. Radachlorin® is a second generation photosensitizer that has quicker pharmacokinetics than first generation photosensitizers. Although there are reports describing Radachlorin®, limited data are available regarding its advantages in PDT.

Advanced NSCLC patients with central airway obstruction were enrolled. Patients who had comorbidity effects on drug metabolism were excluded. All patients received 1mg/kg of Radachlorin®, 4 h before light irradiation. 200 J/cm² of laser was irradiated during 11 min 6 s. Bronchial toileting was performed the following day. A PFT was performed before and after PDT. The primary treatment outcome was improvement of airway obstruction, which was evaluated according to bronchoscopic findings and improvement of FEV1. Secondary treatment outcomes included the rate of PDT-related complications, one year survival rate and progression free survival.

Ten patients were enrolled between June 2010 and May 2011. Their median age was 58.5 years and their baseline cancer stage was more than IIIA. 20% of patients showed successful results, 70% showed partially successful results and 10% showed an unsuccessful result. All patients showed improvement in their obstructive symptoms. The mean FEV1 before PDT was 1.70±0.69 L, while the mean FEV1 after PDT was 1.99±0.60 L (P=0.029). No patients had major complications. Eight patients were undergoing additional treatment after resolving airway obstruction. The one year survival rate after PDT was 70%.

Radachlorin®-based PDT is safe and effective treatment for relieving central airway obstruction in advanced NSCLC.