Photodynamic therapy in the therapy for recurrent/persistent nasopharyngeal cancer

Head Neck Oncol. 2009 Dec 17:1:40. doi: 10.1186/1758-3284-1-40.

Abstract

To determine the efficacy of Photodynamic therapy of patients with recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma we reviewed all available literature. Since the treatment options for recurrent or persistent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma are limited, the survival rates poor and the complications severe; there is definitely a place for alternative treatment modalities with more efficacy and less morbidity. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has the potential to be a very effective local treatment modality for recurrent or persistent nasopharyngeal cancer, without the severe side effects seen with re-irradiation. This review shows all reported results of Photodynamic therapy in the treatment for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Photochemotherapy*