This is a technique that was discovered here at Roswell Park Cancer Institute by Dr. Thomas Dougherty. A medication called Photofrin™ is injected intravenously into the patient. Normal cells will excrete the Photofrin™, but tumor cells will hold onto it. Approximately 48 hours later the tumor bed is exposed to a special light source, which activates the Photofrin™ and causes the tumor cells to die. Special care must be taken by the patient to avoid any sun exposure for up to six weeks after receiving the photofrin injection. The Photofrin™ causes extreme sensitivity to the sun and UV light, which could cause third degree burns.

For lung cancer, PDT is used to destroy tumors in the airways of the lungs (endobronchial tumors) and during surgery for mesothelioma to destroy cells remaining in the chest cavity.

It is possible to treat certain cancers within the lung or on the lining (pleura) of the lung using PDT. PDT is done following removal of the tumor while the patient is still in surgery. The drug-activating red light for PDT is directed into the lung cavity. Treatment time is determined by the size of the lung cavity and may last from 1-3 hours.

For more information about PDT and lung tumors contact contact the PDT Center, Todd Demmy, MD or Chumy Nwogu, MD, at 1-800-ROSWELL.

Click here for more information about the PDT Center at Roswell Park.