Korean J Intern Med.  2017 Jan;32(1):1-10. 10.3904/kjim.2016.200.

Application of photodynamic therapy in gastrointestinal disorders: an outdated or re-emerging technique?

• Lee HH
• Choi MG
• Hasan T

• KMID: 2365974
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2016.200

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising therapeutic modality that involves the administration of a photosensitizer followed by local illumination with a specific wavelength of light in the presence of oxygen. PDT is minimally invasive, has high selectivity for cancer, and has good patient compliance due to the simplicity of the procedure; therefore, PDT is widely used as a palliative and salvage treatment in patients with various gastrointestinal malignancies. When used as a salvage treatment for locoregional failures after definitive chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer, favorable results have been reported. PDT in conjunction with biliary stenting is a promising palliative treatment for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma, and can be used as an advanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategy in peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer. Recent clinical reports of PDT for treating non-resectable pancreatic cancer also show promising results. To widen the application of PDT, the integration of PDT with molecular imaging and nanotechnology is being extensively studied. Based on these new developments, PDT is likely to re-emerge as a valuable technique in the treatment of diverse gastrointestinal diseases.

Keyword

Photochemotherapy; Gastrointestinal diseases; Gastrointestinal neoplasms; Palliative care; Photosensitizing agents

MeSH Terms

Chemoradiotherapy
Cholangiocarcinoma
Esophageal Neoplasms
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Gastrointestinal Neoplasms
Humans
Lighting
Molecular Imaging
Nanotechnology
Oxygen
Palliative Care
Pancreatic Neoplasms
Patient Compliance
Photochemotherapy*
Photosensitizing Agents
Salvage Therapy
Stents
Stomach Neoplasms
Oxygen
Photosensitizing Agents