The application of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of metastatic endobronchial disease.

Overview

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We utilized photodynamic therapy (PDT) for palliation of metastatic endobronchial tumors employing sensitization with synthetic porphyrin, application of non-thermal light, and endoscopic debridement of necrotic tumor. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients with symptomatic endobronchial metastasis from carcinomas of the colon(3), breast(3), kidney(2), and tongue(1) received PDT. RESULTS: After two PDT treatments, patients showed substantial response, which was complete in all but one. One patient had perioperative complications and expired 2 days after developing massive hemoptysis during tumor debridement. Patient survival was 6.38 months (mean) and 4.2 months (median). Most patients died from advanced metastatic disease. One patient with metastasis limited to the airway is still alive 24 months following endobronchial presentation. CONCLUSIONS: PDT ameliorates symptoms of metastatic airway obstruction, is easy to apply, has low morbidity and improves the quality of life.