Clinical study of Photofrin photodynamic therapy for the treatment of relapse nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical response and adverse effects of Photofrin photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with relapse nasal pharyngeal cancer. Methods: Thirty patients with relapse nasal pharyngeal cancer were randomly divided into PDT group and chemotherapy group. In PDT group, patients received intravenous administration of Photofrin (2 mg/kg b.w.) and 48 h later light (200-300 J/cm) was delivered by a 630 nm diode laser through a cylinder diffuser under endoscopic assistance. Two days after PDT the necrotic tissues were removed and newly identified sites were subject to another round of light irradiation. In chemotherapy group, the routine cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (DDP/5-FU) remedy was used. Endoscopic and radiological examinations were performed during 6 months follow-up. The Karnofsy Score was used to evaluate the quality of Life. Results: The local response and nasal cavity obstruction remission rate in PDT group were better than that in chemotherapy group. The Karnofsy Score was also improved in PDT group. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that Photofrin PDT is effective and safe in treatment of advanced nasal pharyngeal cancer and management of nasal obstruction. (C) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.