Background.
The aim of this study was to confirm the efficacy of temoporfin (Foscan)‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with end‐stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Methods.
Thirty‐nine patients with recurring HNSCC lesions ≤10 mm in depth were injected with temoporfin, followed by illumination of the tumor surface.
Results.
Of 39 treated patients, 19 achieved complete response, 2 partial response, 5 stable disease, 5 had progressive disease, and 8 patients were nonevaluable. Thus, in the per‐protocol analysis, the response rate was 68%. Of the treated patients 54% had a response. Median survival was significantly longer for responders (37 months) than for nonresponders (7.4 months). Nine patients were alive at 3.7 to 6.5 years (median, 4.8 years) post‐treatment, 7 free of disease. No major toxicities were observed.
Conclusions.
Patients with advanced HNSCC with lesions ≤10 mm in depth, who have exhausted other treatment options, can achieve significant local control and survival benefit from temoporfin‐mediated PDT. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010