Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may provide effective palliation in the treatment of primary tracheal carcinoma: A small case series

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in primary tracheal carcinomas. Methods: Data were obtained from patients treated with Photofrin® PDT for primary tracheal carcinoma at the Ohio State University. Demographic data as well as survival and response were collected. Results: Ten patients 47-79 years of age with primary tracheal carcinoma (three adenoid cystic, seven squamous histology) were treated with PDT. Treatment was part of curative-intent therapy in three patients, one of whom underwent surgery. The other seven patients received palliative PDT. Five patients received sequential radiation and two received concurrent chemotherapy. All 10 patients had improvement in obstructive symptoms within 1 month. Eight patients had objective response by bronchoscopy, and one patient had stable disease. Treatment was well tolerated. One patient developed a tracheal stricture that was successfully treated with stent placement. Conclusions: PDT is safe and provides effective palliation of obstructive symptoms in patients with primary tracheal carcinoma. PDT has a potential role in both the curative and the palliative setting.