Temoporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy in patients with advanced, incurable head and neck cancer: A multicenter study.

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.