Bronchoscopic Local Nd:YAG Laser Hyperthermia in the Treatment of Lung Cancer

Between March 1989 and July 1990, 13 patients with tracheobronchial cancer were treated by laser hyperthermia at the National Cancer Center Hospital. A complete response was achieved in 9 patients (with 9 carcinoma lesions), with no evidence of local recurrence on follow-up ranging from 4 to 29 months. Four patients had a partial response, requiring alternative therapy. The surface area of the lesions showing complete response was less than 3 cm(2). These lesions had a superficial appearance by bronchoscopic observation. Our experience suggests that laser hyperthermia may be a useful alternative to surgical resection in patients with small localized tumors confined within the tracheobronchial wall.