Photodynamic therapy for primary tracheobronchial malignancy in Northwestern China

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been routinely performed to treat tracheobronchial malignancy. However, the experience in tracheobronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and peripheral lung cancer is still insufficient. This study aimed to share the experience of PDT for patients with primary tracheobronchial malignancy, especially the adenoid cystic carcinoma and peripheral lung cancer, and evaluated the efficacy and safety of PDT in Northwestern Chinese patients.

This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 23 patients with primary tracheobronchial malignancy receiving PDT in our center. The short-term effect was evaluated by the objective tumor response and the clinical response. The long-term effect was estimated by recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Of 23 patients, SR was achieved in 18 patients and MR in 3 patients. The clinical symptoms and the quality of life were significantly improved after PDT (P<0.05). And the mean RFS was 8.9 ± 1.9 months. SR for 6 cases of ACC were achieved with significant improvement of clinical symptoms and quality of life. No procedure-related complications appeared. And PDT was successfully performed for the peripheral lung cancer with the guidance of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB).

This study demonstrated that PDT achieved satisfactory efficacy and safety for Northwestern Chinese patients with primary tracheobronchial malignancy. Patients with ACC can benefit from PDT. And ENB-guided PDT is a novel and available option for the peripheral lung cancer. In short, this study accumulated valuable experience for the application of PDT in Chinese patients with primary tracheobronchial malignancy.