Interstitial photodynamic therapy with rotating and reciprocating optical fibers.
BACKGROUND
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective treatment modality that allows selective destruction of malignant tumor cells. However, because of the difficulty in exposing deeper areas of tumors, the modality has strictly limited indications. In this study, the authors introduce a new method for delivering laser light to a three-dimensional, wide area with the purpose of improving the therapeutic value of PDT.


METHODS
Three patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were treated with the present course. After administering porfimer sodium, laser-proof tubes were inserted through the tumor, and optical fibers were passed through the tubes. Pulse laser was emitted from the obliquely prepared fiber tip and distributed toward the target area while rotating and reciprocating the optical fiber.


RESULTS
Two patients achieved a complete response without any complications or functional disabilities. The third patient, however, had a partial response and required surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate the capability of distributing laser light to an entire area of solid tumor. However, the ideal dose of laser light for the treatment of tumors remains unknown. Interstitial PDT will be more efficacious and reliable after the dosimetry is established.
Tanaka
H
H
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.
Hashimoto
K
K
Yamada
I
I
Masumoto
K
K
Ohsawa
T
T
Murai
M
M
Hirano
T
T
D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017323:Dihematoporphyrin Ether / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055100:Optical Fibers; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D017323:Dihematoporphyrin Ether