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Photodynamic therapy for cutaneous and subcutaneous malignant neoplasms
J S McCaughan1, J T Guy, W Hicks
1Laser Medical Research Foundation, Columbus, Ohio.
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Photodynamic therapy effectively treated various skin cancers, achieving a 67% complete response rate one month post-treatment. Long-term follow-up showed sustained efficacy in nearly half of treated areas.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging treatment modality for cutaneous and subcutaneous malignant neoplasms.
- Optimizing light delivery and dosimetry is crucial for PDT efficacy and minimizing side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes of photodynamic therapy in patients with various skin cancers.
- To compare different light-delivery instrumentation for accurate dosimetry in PDT.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-seven patients with malignant neoplasms received PDT, with 248 areas treated across 72 sessions.
- Treatment involved surface or interstitial radiation after sensitizer injection; different light-delivery instruments were assessed.
- Tumor response was evaluated one month and 12 months post-treatment based on clinical evidence and size reduction.
Main Results:
- One month after PDT, 67% of treatment sessions achieved a complete response and 26% a partial response.
- Of 15 patients assessable at 12 months, 48% of initially complete responses were maintained.
- The Yellow Springs radiometer (model 65A) provided the most reliable spot power density readings; straight-tipped fibers showed non-uniformity.
Conclusions:
- Photodynamic therapy demonstrates significant efficacy in treating a range of cutaneous and subcutaneous malignancies.
- Accurate dosimetry, facilitated by reliable radiometers, is essential for successful PDT outcomes.
- Careful selection of light-delivery instrumentation is necessary to avoid undertreatment or overtreatment.