Authors' objectives: To assess the available evidence on the efficacy, safety and coverage policy related aspects on the use of photodynamic therapy in patients with lung cancer.

Authors' recommendations: The evidence found was of low to intermediate quality, consistent with the few RCTs with methodological defects and uncontrolled case series found. PDT seems to be effective when used with curative intent at early stages of lung cancer; showing an effectiveness in neoplastic lesion ablation that ranged from 30 to 100% according to different studies. At advanced stages with palliative intent, PDT seems to be effective in reducing dyspnea with a 30% improvement rate. In this context, it would be more effective in combination with radiotherapy in increasing the rate of symptomatic relief and prolonging the length of response. However, the groups under study had significant baseline differences that may have clearly influenced the results. Even though the method shoes a lower morbidity than its alternatives and it may be used in patients with complex medical conditions, its common adverse effects may limit its use. It is necessary to conduct comparative studies among the different treatments with long-term result measurements in order to make definite recommendations about the role of PDT in the treatment of lung cancer.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: https://www.iecs.org.ar/home-ets/?cod_publicacion=1489&origen_publicacion=publicaciones

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Argentina

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy

Contact Address: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires - Argentina, C1414 CABA

Contact Name: info@iecs.org.ar

Contact Email: info@iecs.org.ar

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS)