title: Photodynamic therapy: the NCI experience and its nursing implications.
abstract: Recent laboratory and clinical data have demonstrated encouraging results with a new treatment modality, photodynamic therapy (PDT). Initially used as a technique for tumor localization, PDT produces cytotoxic effects in superficial tumors such as those growing on the surfaces of the bladder, pleura, head and neck, bronchus, chest wall, and peritoneal cavity. PDT has three components: a light-sensitizing drug, light (generally from a laser), and oxygen. Initial results of phase I clinical trials conducted at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are encouraging, and systemic toxicities have been minimal. Nursing intervention includes teaching, counseling, monitoring acute reactions, and follow-up care of these patients. This study outlines the results of experience with PDT at NCI and the nursing implications.
authors.affiliation: Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Dachowski
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: DeLaney
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003663:Decision Trees; D006801:Humans; D009316:National Institutes of Health (U.S.); D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D014481:United States