Tetra(m-hydroxyphenyl)chlorin clinical photodynamic therapy of early bronchial and oesophageal cancers

There have been few studies to date of clinical photodynamic therapy (PDT) with tetra(m-hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (mTHPC). This paper describes the results of the authors' experience with this second-generation photosensitizer, used in the treatment of 40 early cancers of the oesophagus and the bronchi. Surface illumination of the tumour was performed, in most cases, 4 days after intravenous injection of 0.15 mg kg(-1) of mTHPC, using 652 nm or 514 nm continuous wave laser light, Endoscopic follow-up with biopsies and brushings was possible for 35 tumours: 27 (77%) showed no recurrence after disease-free follow-ups that ranged from 3 to 38 months. Major complications, all of which were after red light illumination, included one bronchial stenosis, one oesophagotracheal fistula and two probable occult perforations of the oesophagus. Photodynamic therapy with green light renders such perforations of the oesophageal wall essentially impossible at the applied conditions, and appears not to reduce the efficacy of the treatment. Skin photosensitization, which was never observed later than the first week after injection, occurred in 12 patients. Hence, PDT with mTHPC is a safe and effective treatment for early carcinomas of the oesophagus and the tracheobronchial tree.