Photofrin photodynamic therapy: 2.0 mg/kg or not 2.0 mg/kg that is the question.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative minimally invasive therapy that has great potential for both tumor ablation and normal tissue preservation. However, while in recent years the standards of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy have dramatically improved in terms of outcomes and morbidity, the same cannot be said of PDT in general and Photofrin((R))-based PDT in particular. As currently practiced PDT dosimetry has not really improved tumor ablation and diminished side effects over reports from two decades ago. We critically examine the clinical variables available for PDT dosimetry and conclude that the simple maneuver of diminishing drug dose, with an appropriate increase in light dose, can enhance disease control with a significantly lower risk of morbidity. This conclusion should also be applicable to most systemically introduced photosensitizer.
PDT Center and Department of Radiation Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, 600 Moye Boulevard LJCC 172, NC 27858, USA.
Ron R
RR
Allison
Claudio H
CH
Sibata
D017323:Dihematoporphyrin Ether / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D017323:Dihematoporphyrin Ether