Photodynamic therapy in the management of bladder cancer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is primarily suggested for the therapy of papillary transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and refractory carcinoma in situ (CIS), and prophylaxis of recurrent superficial TCC in those patients who have failed intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy. We reviewed our 13-year experience to assess the long-term role of PDT in the management of superficial bladder cancer, and propose a standard protocol. Fifty eight patients underwent a single PDT treatment with 1.5-2.0 mg/kg of Photofrin and 10-25 J/cm2 of light (630 nm). This single PDT treatment produced overall response rates of 84.2% in 19 patients with recurrent superficial papillary TCC, 80% in 20 patients with refractory CIS, and 89.5% in 19 patients receiving prophylaxis. The PDT dose of 2.0 mg/kg and 15-25 J/cm2 produced the most durable tumor response at the expense of severe local morbidity. However, the PDT dose of 1.5 mg/kg and 10-15 J/cm2 yielded variable tumor responses, with minimal local morbidity. Overall our data confirm that PDT is an effective therapy for superficial bladder cancer. We recommend PDT as a second line or immediate therapy for BCG or chemotherapy failures using a standard PDT dose of 1.5 mg/kg of Photofrin and 15 J/cm2 (630 nm) and a scheduled repeat treatment with 1.5 mg/kg and 10 J/cm2 at 6 and 12 months.