Complications of photodynamic therapy in gastrointestinal disease

The primary complications of PDT of the esophagus include cutaneous photosensitivity and esophageal strictures. Atrial fibrillation and pleural effusion have been reported but appear to be rare or not clinically significant. Cutaneous photosensitivity can be minimized if the adequate precautions are taken to protect patients from sunlight exposure. Stricture formation may be decreased by proper dosimetry and avoiding multiple overlapping light applications. More recently, centering diffusing balloons have been used, which may also decrease stricture formation. Most of the odynophagia patients experience in the first week posttherapy is controlled with analgesics, both oral and topical coating.