Advanced Image-Based Treatment Planning 

A first-in-human clinical trial demonstrated that image-guided interstitial photodynamic therapy (I-PDT) of refractory extrabronchial malignant central airway obstruction is safe and potentially effective. 

The image below, published in JTO Clinical and Research Reports, shows the Shafirstein Lab’s treatment plan for I-PDT of inoperable non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with an airway obstruction. 

Figure from a scientific research study
  • A – A CT scan with outlines of the tumor and pulmonary artery.
  • B – Digital mesh demarcating the tumor (red), pulmonary artery (purple) and airway (green).
  • C – Cross section of the irradiance distribution from the light diffuser fibers. Range of irradiance, 0.4–955 mW/cm2
  • D – Treatment plan for placement of fiber 4. Fiber 4 was placed 2.0 cm from the base of the carina and inserted into the tumor at a 30° angle off the base of the carina and at a depth of 1.7 cm into the target tumor tissue. Fiber 4 was placed at the 5 o’clock position in relation to 12 o’clock as being directly anterior.

This clinical trial is now in Phase II, supported by a National Cancer Institute award through collaboration with Simphotek, Inc. 

The integrating image-guided dosimetry also is being used to research “Interstitial Chemophototherapy with Light-Activated Nanoparticulate Doxorubicin” of large hepatocellular carcinoma in collaboration with PoP Biotechnologies, Inc., supported through awards from the NIH/NCI Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) seed fund

Full text articlePhase 2 clinical trial

More active i-PDT clinical trials

NCT03735095

Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Needle Guided Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy for Palliation of Locally Advanced Lung Cancer and Advanced Cancers Obstructing the Airway - Phase 1/2 Study

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NCT03727061

A Randomized, Multi-Center Phase 2 Trial with a Phase 1 Safety Run-in: Porfimer Sodium Mediated Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy and Standard of Care (SoC) Therapy versus SoC Therapy alone for the Treatment of Patients with Locally Advanced or Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer

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NCT03678350

Light Dosimetry for Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy with Porfimer Sodium (Photofrin®) in Patients with Malignant Mesothelioma, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, or Other Malignancies with Pleural Disease - Phase 1 Study

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NCT04836429

Utilizing Photodynamic Therapy to Amplify the Response to Immunotherapy in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Pleural Disease - Phase 1 Study

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Contact the Shafirstein Lab

Email: Gal.Shafirstein@RoswellPark.org  
Phone: 716-845-4025

Department of Cell Stress Biology 
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center 
Elm and Carlton Streets 
Buffalo, NY 14263