[Clinical pilot study of interstitial photodynamic therapy for treatment of advanced head and neck tumors].
BACKGROUND
Photodynamic therapy is a new treatment modality which uses a photochemical reaction to destroy tumour tissue. To date this treatment has only been applied effectively to the surface of small, superficial tumours due to the limitations imposed by light penetration. With the use of fibres introduced into the substance of the tumour, more bulky lesions can be treated successfully.


METHODS
We describe the first clinical use of such a treatment in the management and, specifically, the amelioration of advanced head and neck cancer. We describe our results in 12 patients, in 11 of whom we were able to improve quality of life. In one patient there was no observable effect. The side-effects were minimal.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that interstitial photodynamic therapy may be of use in the palliative care of patients with advanced disease and bulky tumours. It may also be of use in benign, bulky tumors, but this point requires further study.
Suhr
M A
MA
Abteilung für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Klinikum Nord Heidberg, Tangstedter Landstrasse 400, 22417 Hamburg. suhr.mkg-heidberg@web.de
Hopper
C
C
MacRobert
A J
AJ
Speight
P M
PM
Kübler
A C
AC
Kunz
L
L
D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010166:Palliative Care; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome