Aerodigestive tract papillomatosis: bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy

Aerodigestive tract papillomatosis (ADTP) remains a distinct challenge for the otolaryngologist. None of the myriads of therapies utilized to date offers a distinctly improved prognosis with less frequent clinical recurrences or absolute cure rates. Significant complications are avoided by withholding tracheotomy whenever possible and avoiding overly aggressive papilloma removal. Laser technology seems to offer a distinct benefit as regards the latter. Despite much activity in this area, little new knowledge has actually influenced the outcome of patients afflicted with papillomatosis. The disorder remains one of long-term morbidity in those acquiring it early in life and one with a significant rate of mortality for those with involvement of the lower airway. A review and selected discussion of our experience at The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center of The Pennsylvania State University with ADTP from 1974 to 1981 is presented. Nineteen patients ranging in age at the time of presentation from 1.5 to 68 years old have been diagnosed and treated. For the most part, therapy consisted of repeated microendoscopies with forceps removal of papillomas until recurrences ceased. However, in four adult patients with either rapidly recurring laryngeal and/or tracheobronchial papillomas, bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy has been administered. Two of these patients are evaluable for greater than 12 months. The rationale and efficacy of the treatment of a high risk group in this fashion are discussed.