Authors' objectives:

This review aims to assess the available evidence on the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy for head and neck, tracheobronchial, and esophageal cancer.

Authors' recommendations: With regard to Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Head and Neck, Tracheobronchial, and Esophageal Cancer, the ICSI Technology Assessment Committee finds that: PDT has a faster treatment course, is less expensive, and is associated with lower morbidity than surgical resection for palliation or radiation for early disease and palliation. PDT has been shown to be effective in producing a complete response for stage I cancers and carcinoma in situ of the larynx, oral cavity, tracheobronchial tree, and esophagus (Conclusion Grade II). The duration of the complete response varies with the site of cancer. Also, few randomized controlled trials have been done. Adenocarcinoma associated with Barrett's esophagus has also been shown to respond to PDT. In addition, photodynamic therapy has been used to decrease the malignant potential of high grade dysplasia. For some patients with advanced cancers, PDT has been shown to have a palliative effect, improving the patient's quality of life. However, patients may find the lifestyle limitation caused by skin photosensitivity outweighs the potential palliative benefit of PDT. For patients with recurrent head and neck cancers, PDT has been observed to be effective as an adjuvant intraoperative treatment.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.icsi.org/index.asp

Year Published: 2002

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement

Contact Address: 8009 34th Avenue South, Suite 1200, Bloomington, MN, USA. Tel: +1 952 814 7060; Fax: +1 952 858 9675

Contact Name: icsi.info@icsi.org

Contact Email: icsi.info@icsi.org

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI)