Application of PDT for Uterine Cervical Cancer

We have been performing PDT using Excimer Dye Laser (EDL) or YAG-OPO laser, a type of low power laser, both of which have a considerably higher degree of tissue penetration even when compared to PDT using Argon Dye Laser (ADL). PDT is a relatively simple procedure without any bleeding and does not require anesthesia since it causes no pain. PDT is performed 48 h after intravenous injection of 1.5–2.0 mg/kg of PHE (Photofrin(®)). Precise spot irradiation is possible using a colposcope with an optical laser path. We also use a cervical probe which enables photoirradiation of the entire cervical canal. We have performed PDT on 131 cases (95 CIS, 31 dysplasia, 1 vulval dysplasia (VIN), 3 squamous cell carcinoma, microinvasion, and 1 CIS + endocervical adenocarcinoma, microinvasion). Of these cases, 127 became CR (96.9%). The first CR case was 10 years ago and no recurrence has been observed yet. PDT is extremely effective to preserve fertility. Except for sensitive reactions to sunlight, there are no noticeable side effects or difficulties related to pregnancy or delivery. We expect that in the near future PDT will be performed using diode lasers and without hospitalization due to new photosensitizers which have shorter retention times.