title: Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
abstract: Photodynamic therapy is an experimental modality for tumor treatment based on the combined action of the tumor-localizing agent, ie, hematoporphyrin derivative, and red light. From 1985 through 1989, 26 patients were treated using hematoporphyrin-derived drugs and 630-nm light delivered by a tunable dye laser. All patients had biopsy-proved squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and they had either failed the traditional treatment modalities or refused conventional therapies. Histological complete responses were achieved in 20 (77%) of 26 patients and partial responses in 5 (19%) of 26 patients for periods up to 48 months. Only minimal toxic reaction was noted in the group. As a guide to treatment planning for a patient group with large tumors, we used an optical dosimetry model based on tissue optics. The rate of complete responses to this treatment was 8 (73%) of 11. Our data indicate that photodynamic therapy is capable of inducing significant clinical and histological responses in the majority of those treated, and in some patients a prolonged response is produced. In certain select head and neck malignancies, photodynamic therapy has an important role as a treatment modality.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago.
authors: B L
authors: BL
authors: Wenig
authors: D M
authors: DM
authors: Kurtzman
authors: L I
authors: LI
authors: Grossweiner
authors: M F
authors: MF
authors: Mafee
authors: D M
authors: DM
authors: Harris
authors: R V
authors: RV
authors: Lobraico
authors: R A
authors: RA
authors: Prycz
authors: E L
authors: EL
authors: Appelbaum
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D003720:Densitometry; D017323:Dihematoporphyrin Ether; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006415:Hematoporphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy
chemical_list: D006415:Hematoporphyrins; D017323:Dihematoporphyrin Ether