Authors' objectives:

This study aims to assess the current evidence on photodynamic therapy for early-stage oesophageal cancer.

Authors' recommendations: 1 Guidance 1.1 Current evidence on the safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for early-stage oesophageal cancer appears adequate. PDT appears efficacious in reducing tumour bulk in carefully selected patients with small early-stage tumours. However, the current evidence is of poor quality and relates only to short-term outcomes; it is therefore not adequate to support the use of this procedure without special arrangements for consent, audit and clinical governance. 1.2 Clinicians wishing to undertake PDT for early-stage oesophageal cancer should take the following actions. : Inform the clinical governance leads in their Trusts. : Ensure that patients understand the uncertainty about the procedure's efficacy and provide them with clear written information. Use of the Institute's information for patients ('Understanding NICE guidance') is recommended (available from www.nice.org.uk/IPG200publicinfo). : Audit and review clinical outcomes of all patients having PDT for early-stage oesophageal cancer. 1.3 Further research will be useful, and clinicians are encouraged to enter patients into well-designed trials and to collect longer-term follow-up data. The Institute may review the procedure upon publication of further evidence.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/IPG200

Year Published: 2006

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Contact Address: Level 1A, City Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, M1 4BT

Contact Name: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Contact Email: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Copyright: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)