Role of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of locally advanced lung cancer

The study was performed to evaluate efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and to examine the role of PDT combined with radiation therapy in the treatment of endobronchial lung cancer. Patients (93) with morphologically confirmed locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer who previously underwent conservative treatment at the clinics of MRRC were included in the study. All patients had obstructive ventilation disorders caused by tumor stenosis of the main bronchus or a lobar bronchus. Sixty three (63) patients received endoscopic PDT with chlorine photosensitizers. The study demonstrates high clinically efficacy and safety of this treatment modality. The use of phototodynamic therapy prior to radiation therapy for patients with tumor stenosis of large bronchi has brought achievement of pronounced positive therapeutic effect due to elimination of atelectasis and hypoventilation. The results of study allow us to conclude, that inclusion of photodynamic therapy in the treatment schemes for inoperable lung cancer can improve outcome of conservative treatment and quality of life, as well as increase survival time.