Feasibility of intrapleural photodynamic therapy: the first eight patients (Invited Paper)

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a surface oriented, locally cytotoxic intervention being investigated for oncologic therapy. Surfaces such as the pleura or the peritoneum are frequency involved with primary or metastatic cancer, and the chance for cure in such situations is low due to the inability to eradicate all the disease. A series of investigations has been performed at the National Cancer Institute since 1985 studying the possible use of PDT for large cavity treatment. This report details the original methodology, immediate results, and overall feasibility of the delivery of intrapleural PDT to patients after debulking of primary and malignant neoplasms in the chest which were considered to be 'non-curative' by standard surgical techniques alone. From this original feasibility study, an ongoing Phase I trial has developed to determine the maximum amount of this therapy which can be delivered safely to the thorax.