Intraoperative photodynamic therapy for retroperitoneal sarcomas

A pilot study was done to determine the feasibility of adjuvant photodynamic therapy (PDT) in recurrent retroperitoneal sarcomas. Ten patients, who had recurrences after conventional methods of treatment, had repeated resections of the tumor and intraoperative photodynamic treatment to the tumor bed. The methods and equipment used are detailed. In eight of ten patients, a complete resection was possible, and two patients are alive without recurrence at 28 and 24 months. There were no complications from the therapy. Tumors elicited red fluorescence, which helped in identifying residual tumor areas. Adjuvant PDT is a feasible alternative although its effectiveness should be evaluated further.