Photodynamic therapy with 5ALA for head and neck cancer – pro
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the use of photochemical reactions mediated through the interaction of photosensitizing agents, light, and oxygen for the treatment of malignant or benign diseases. It is in clinical study for a variety of skin application and superficial cancers of other organs. FDA approved Levulan® Kerastick™ for the treatment of actinic keratoses. Photodynamic therapy, although not with ALA, has supporting data for palliative treatment of obstructing esophageal cancer, palliative treatment of obstructing endobronchial lesions, treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer in patients who are ineligible for surgery and radiation therapy
treatment of high-grade dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus.
Morton CA, McKenna KE, Rhodes LE, British Association of Dermatologists Therapy Guidelines and Audit Subcommittee. Guidelines for topical photodynamic therapy: update. Br J Dermatol 2008 Dec;159(6):1245-66. [229 references]
28.D’Cruz AK, Robinson MH, Biel MA: mTHPC-mediated photodynamic therapy in patients with advanced, incurable head and neck cancer: a multicenter study of 128 patients.
Head Neck 2004, 26:232-240.