Photodynamic therapy in head and neck cancer
D. E. Schuller, J. S. McCaughan Jr and R. P. Rock
A group of 24 patients with recurrent and/or metastatic cancers were
treated with photodynamic therapy using hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD) to
study feasibility of this new technique. This experience demonstrated that
photodynamic therapy is possible for head and neck cancer and that the
toxic reactions and complications are minimal. The short durations of
response in this group of patients most probably are a reflection of
current lack of understanding about what represents maximal tolerable doses
of HpD and frequencies of treatment.
