Photodynamic therapy for Barrett's esophagus and high grade dysplasia: results of a patient satisfaction survey.
There are few data available describing the experience of patients who have undergone photodynamic therapy with porfimer sodium for Barrett's esophagus. We describe the results of a satisfaction survey reported by 16 of 18 patients (11 men, 5 women; median age 75 years; median response at 27 months after treatment) treated with photodynamic therapy for Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia. Treatments were performed on an outpatient basis although two patients required clinic visits for intravenous fluids. Subjects reported their most significant post-treatment problem was odynophagia or dysphagia (75%), which was best treated with a hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen elixir (75%). Cutaneous photosensitivity persisted for a median of six weeks; two patients had phototoxic reactions requiring clinic evaluation and treatment. All but two patients reported swallowing problems lasting a median of four weeks, and weight loss (median 6.8 kg). All patients indicated they would again choose photodynamic therapy if they were faced with a similar choice of endoscopic treatment versus surgery for Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia. These results indicate a generally high level of satisfaction in patients who have been treated with porfimer sodium photodynamic therapy for Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia.
Hemminger
Lois L
LL
Esophageal Disease Group, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA.
Wolfsen
Herbert C
HC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017323:Dihematoporphyrin Ether / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D017323:Dihematoporphyrin Ether