Photodynamic therapy of brain tumors - A work in progress

Background and Objectives: PDT has been used in the treatment of malignant brain tumors. This communication updates our series of unselected malignant gliomas treated with Photofrin-PDT. Study Design and Methods: We examined the records of 112 patients with malignant gliomas, metastatic brain tumors and meningiomas treated with Photofrin-PDT at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto. These patients were treated prior to the onset of ongoing randomized trials in Photofrin PDT or had pathology that excluded them from such trials. Results: The overall post-PDT survival of 96 patients with supratentorial gliomas was 42 weeks, with a 40 and 22% 1- and 2-year survival, respectively. The greater the degree of oligodendroglial involvement the longer was the survival. Seventy-five percent of patients had no significant postoperative complications. Conclusions: Photofrin-PDT was safe. However, higher light doses than were used in these patients may be required for improved responses.