Abstract
Aim: To evaluate short- and long- term results of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with chlorine e6 in palliative treatment of lung cancer.
Methods: 52 patients with IIIb (21) and IV (31) stage of lung cancer with major airway obstruction were prospectively included in endobronchial PDT protocol. Histological types were: NSCLC – 46 patients, SCLC – 6 patients. Water-soluble chlorine e6 complex was used as a photosensitizer in dose of 2 mg/kg. The interval between the injection and illumination was 2 hours. Red light at 662+1 nm wavelength was used to achieve a total illumination dose of 250 j/cm2 of the tumor during flexible bronchoscopy under topical anaesthesia. All patients except four received chemotherapy concomitantly. PDT was done twice in 13, three and more times – in 39 patients. Results of treatment were evaluated by percentage of bronchial lumen desobliteration in every four weeks after the first procedure. Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier method.
Results: Bronchial desobliteration after the first PDT was recorded as complete endobronchial remission – in 17 cases (33%), partial (>50% of tumor volume) – in 21 cases (42%). No effect was seen in 25% of patients. After the next procedures number of patients with complete remission decreased to 24%, patients with partial remission - increased up to 53%. Median survival time was 11,6 months, it was higher in patients with complete remission than with partial remission (13,5 vs 10,3 months, p<0,05). One year survival was 48%, two years survival - 24%.
Conclusion: Repeated PDT with chlorine e6 is a safe and effective for lung cancer patients. Survival depends on degree of endobronchial remission.
- © 2011 ERS
