Hematoporphyrin photodynamic therapy: is there truly a future in head and neck oncology? Reflections on a 5-year experience.
Photodynamic therapy, which consists of the selective destruction of tumors using a combination of a photosensitizer administered systemically (dihematoporphyrin ether) and an argon dye-pumped laser, has provoked profound interest amongst oncologists and has particularly titillated head and neck oncologists with its potential. Unfortunately, no multi-institutional trials for head and neck tumors have been introduced, and the literature is replete with anecdotal reports from individual researchers on the management of advanced cancers for palliation, superficial early cancers, and field cancerization of the mucosa ("condemned mucosa"). A personal 5-year experience with 41 head and neck cancers was reviewed, as was the current literature. An attempt was made to place in perspective the true role and future direction of this technology.
Department of Otolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center 45267-0528.
J L
JL
Gluckman
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D017323:Dihematoporphyrin Ether; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006414:Hematoporphyrin Photoradiation; D006415:Hematoporphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D010166:Palliative Care; D012074:Remission Induction
D006415:Hematoporphyrins; D017323:Dihematoporphyrin Ether