[Short term result of lung cancer treated by photodynamic therapy (PDT)]

Fifty four patients with cancer in the lumen of trachea-bronchus proved by histopathology were treated with PDT. 5 mg/kg hematoporphyrin derivative was given. 24-72 hr after injection, PDT was delivered, usually 1-3 times in density of 200-400 J/cm2. There were 69 cancer foci in 54 patients treated by PDT for 168 times in all. One patient, who received the highest number of treatments, was treated for 12 times intermittently. The treatment result: 14 cancer foci gave a complete response, 32 significant response, 21 minor and 2 no responses. Neither hemorrhage nor other serious complications were found. The results suggest that PDT be an effective method for lung cancer. Only being topical in nature, the implication of PDT is expected to be limited.