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Photodynamic therapy for recurrent supratentorial gliomas
1Department of Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Seminars in Surgical Oncology
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a new treatment option for recurrent supratentorial gliomas after radiation failure. This study shows PDT can extend survival for patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme and malignant astrocytoma.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Recurrent supratentorial gliomas pose a significant treatment challenge, often after radiation therapy failure.
- Palliative reoperation is considered for patients with limited therapeutic options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with recurrent supratentorial gliomas.
- To assess survival outcomes and safety of PDT in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involving porphyrin photosensitizer administration followed by intraoperative photoillumination.
- Surgical resection or cyst drainage combined with cavitary and/or interstitial photoillumination.
- Analysis of survival data and postoperative complications.
Main Results:
- Post-PDT median survival for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) was 30 weeks (1-year survival 18%).
- Post-PDT median survival for recurrent malignant astrocytoma (MA) was 44 weeks (1-year survival 43%).
- Two postoperative deaths and three patients experienced increased neurological deficits.
Conclusions:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) demonstrates potential as a palliative treatment for recurrent supratentorial gliomas.
- Further research is warranted to optimize PDT protocols and improve outcomes for glioma patients.