Photoradiation therapy for the treatment of malignant tumors

Cancer Res. 1978 Aug;38(8):2628-35.

Abstract

Administration of hematoporphyrin derivative i.v. followed by local exposure to red light has resulted in complete or partial response in 111 of 113 cutaneous or s.c. malignant lesions. Tumors treated have included carcinomas of the breast, colon, prostate, squamous cell, basal cell, and endometrium; malignant melanoma; mycosis fungoides; chondrosarcoma; and angiosarcoma. No type has been found to be unresponsive. In several cases complete clearing of chest wall metastatis has been achieved in treated areas. Deep-seated and pigmented tumors required a higher dose of drug for effective treatment than did the more superficial and nonpigmented lesions. A high therapeutic ratio between tumor and skin response has been obtained by allowing at least 3 days between drug injection and exposure to the therapeutic light for 2,5-mg/kg doses and at least a 4-day interval for 5.0-mg/kg doses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Hematoporphyrins / administration & dosage
  • Hematoporphyrins / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / drug therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Necrosis
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / drug therapy
  • Nose Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / pathology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Hematoporphyrins