Abstract
Background
Although surgical resection is the best way for curing cancer, there has been a certain portion of patients who could not undergo surgery because of various reasons. We experienced 9 cases of photodynamic therapy for esophageal cancer patients with inoperable conditions, and investigated the feasibility and safety of photodynamic therapy.
Methods
Medical records of patients of esophageal cancers who received photodynamic therapies in Korea University Anam Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Survival, complication rates and treatment results were evaluated.
Results
A total of 9 patients (all men) with esophageal cancer had been received photodynamic therapy between 2007 and 2015. Average age at the time of treatment was 70.9 (± 4.62, ranging 64 to 78) and average follow-up periods were 18.2 (± 16.59, ranging 3.8 to 53.6). The average Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were 7.3 (± 2.29, ranging 4 to 10). During the follow-up periods, 5 patients died, and only one death was related with the distant metastasis progression. There was one case of skin reaction and no other complications were appeared. There were no complication related deaths. Complete remission of esophageal cancer showed in 6 patients (66.7%) and partial remission showed in 3 patients (33.3%). Two patients with partial remission showed loco-recurrence. One patient with complete remission had to undergo surgery because of preexisting esophageal stenosis. In patients with complete remission, no recurrence was observed.
Conclusion
Photodynamic therapy is feasible and safe with acceptable rates of complications. For esophageal cancer patients with inoperable condition or refusal of surgery, photodynamic therapy could provide alternative way to treatment.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Clinical Results of Photodynamic Therapy for the Superficial Esophageal Cancer
