Clinical photodynamic therapy using Russian photosensitizers Photoheme and Photosense: six-year experience

Background and objective Unsatisfactory results of traditional treatment of malignant tumors force oncologists to search new therapeutic modalities. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one ofthe promising and intensively developing techniques in cancer treatment. Materials and methods The results of application of photodynamic therapy for treatment of malignant tumors of various localizations were assessed. In 1992 - 1998 more than 1270 malignant tumors in 308 patients have been treated with PDT. Most of the patients have been taken into PDT for tumor recurrences or mtradermal metastases after surgery, gamma-therapy or combined treatment. Russian photosensitizers Photoheme and Photosense were used. Results Up to date we obtain the follow-up data in term from 2 months to 6 years. Therapeutic effect took place in 94.7% of cases. including complete tumor resorption in 55 .5% and partial resorption in 39.2% of cases. Conclusion The results of PDT application for treating malignant tumors allow one to estimate PDT as adequate technique. In some tumor localizations PDT may become optional technique.