Endoscopic photodynamic therapy (PDT) for oesophageal cancer

Endoscopic photodynamic therapy (PDT) is undertaken only when tumour is visible endoscopically with malignancy biopsy confirmed. Patients will be either Group A: inoperable cases with locally advanced cancer when the aim is palliation of dysphagia, or Group E: patients with early stage I-II disease who are unsuitable for surgery or decline operation, when the intent is curative. Following assessment for suitability for PDT and counselling, Photofrin 2mg/(kgbw) is administered 24-72h before endoscopic illumination using a Diode 630nm laser. Illumination may be either interstitial or intraluminal at a dose of 100-200J/cm.