Integral photodynamic treatment of refractory superficial bladder cancer.

Abstract

Cystectomy is indicated after unsuccessful transurethral resection and intravesical treatment of superficial bladder cancer. As an alternative, whole bladder photodynamic therapy was done. In 21 patients the bladder was irradiated with laser light at a wavelength of 630 nm. after intravenous injection of a synthetic porphyrin mixture. Of the 21 patients 12 attained complete remission with a mean disease-free interval of 18.0 months (range 3 to 42), 3 with partial remission were rendered disease-free with transurethral resection or neodymium:YAG laser coagulation and 6 underwent cystectomy. In patients with refractory superficial bladder cancer the bladder can be preserved by use of photodynamic therapy.