title: Photodynamic therapy of head and neck cancer.
abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative treatment option for tumours of the head and neck. The principle of PDT is based on a photochemical reaction which is initiated by light activation of a photosensitizing drug causing tumour cell death. PDT damage heals mainly by regeneration rather than scarring. Due to this organpreserving principle of PDT, important structures are maintained with very good functional and cosmetic outcome. This article will review the principle of PDT and the different indications for PDT of tumours of the head and neck, focusing on small and advanced tumours of the oral cavity and the larynx as well as papillomatosis of the larynx. A critical review on the literature will be accomplished.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Zahnärztliche Chirurgie und für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Strasse 62, D-50937 Köln, Germany. A.Kuebler@uni-koeln.de
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Kübler
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scheer
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Zöller
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004867:Equipment Design; D006414:Hematoporphyrin Photoradiation; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D016896:Treatment Outcome