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Photoradiation therapy of endobronchial lung cancers employing the photodynamic action of hematoporphvrin derivative
Author(s) -
Balchum Oscar J.,
Doiron Daniel R.,
Huth Gerald C.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.1900040104
Subject(s) - photodynamic therapy , medicine , lung cancer , lung , pathology , chemistry , organic chemistry
Abstract Thirty‐five patients with tumors within the tracheobrochial tree were treated with photoradiation therapy (PRT) employing the photodynamic action of hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD). An effective protocol has been developed consisting of 3.0 mg/kg HPD given intravenously 72 hours prior to the bronchoscopic illumination of the endobronchial tumor sites with red light (630 mm) from an argon pumped dye laser. Light applicators were developed that provided surface (area) and insertion (volume) illumination of tumor masses. Average light dosages of 100 J/cm 2 and J/cm were used for surface and insertion illumination, respectively. Delivery rates were 200 mW/cm 2 and 400 mW/cm. There was no immediate visible effect such as coagulation or charring noted. All malignant endobronchial tumors responded. Tumors included primary and metastaic lesions of various histologic types. Response was complete for tumor within the bronchus after one treatment in 80% of instances. The remaining cases required two treatments to obtain a complete response due to the extensive length of bronchus involved or because multiple sites were present. A complete response, that is, the full opening up of the lumen to the bronchial wall, was accomplished in all but one instance. Atelectatic lungs or lobes were re‐expanded and reaerated. Dyspnea and cough became significantly less. The follow‐up achieved to date indicates improvement in symptoms, activity level, and the return to work in a significant number of cases.