Gynecologic cancer recurrences and photodynamic therapy: our experience.

ABSTRACT The incidence of locoregional recurrences of gynecological tumors is still a major problem. Many authors suggest that it is the major cause of death in patients affected by cervical–endometrial cancers. The results achieved by retreating these patients with conventional therapies are still unsatisfactory. Since 1982, in our department, we have been using photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treatment of locoregional recurrences in gynecological cancers. We have treated 26 patients. In the majority of the cases, vaginal recurrences were on the vaginal vault. Out of 26 cancers, 17 were epidermoid cancers. Lasers used were the argon dye laser (Meditec) and, in some cases, the CO2 laser. Light dose ranged between 60 and 500 J/cm2. The photosensitizing drug used was hematoporphyrin (HP) (Monico Farmaceutici, Venezia, Italy) at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight. Patients were evaluated 45 days after treatment with gynecological examination and again after 75–90 days with a vaginal smear. Results were divided int...