Photodynamic therapy of diseminated melanoma with photosensitizer Photolon

The efficacy of photodynamic therapy (FDT) with photosensitizing agent (Photolon) given at a dose of 1,0-2,0 mg/kg of a body mass was assessed in 21 patients with skin melanoma. Stage II skin melanoma was registered in 2 (9,5 %) patients, stage III in 1 (4,8 % ) patient and stage IV in 18 (85,7 %) patients. For systemic irradiation, Atkus-0.4 laser apparatus (662 nm) with output power of 10-20 mW was used. Focal irradiation was performed 3 hours after administration of the photosensitizer using Latus 2 laser apparatus (666 nm) with power density of 300-500 mW/cm2 (for external irradiation) and 700-800 mW/cm2 (for contact irradiation). Light with energy from 600 to 900 J/cm2 was delivered to the target for one or two sessions. The rate of objective responses was 65,6 %. Stabilization lasted more than 6-8 weeks was observed in 21,3 % of cases. Therapeutic effect was achieved in 86,9 % of cases. Treatment of intradermal tumors was found to be more effective. The overall 6-month survival rate was 30,4 ± 13,8 % for patients who received systemic and focal FDT.