• Maziak DE, Markman BR, Mackay JA, Evans WK, Lung Cancer Disease Site Group. The role of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a clinical practice guideline. Toronto (ON): Cancer Care Ontario (CCO); 2005 Nov 1. Various p. (Evidence-based series; no. 7-15). [27 references]

The lack of sufficient high-quality evidence precludes definitive recommendations. Instead, the Lung Cancer Disease Site Group (DSG) offers the following opinions based on the evidence reviewed:

• Photodynamic therapy could be considered as an option for the treatment of early-stage lung cancer in patients with medically inoperable disease that is accessible by bronchoscopy. Evidence to date suggests that photodynamic therapy may be most effective with small superficial airway lesions, 1cm or less in length. The relative safety and effectiveness of photodynamic therapy compared to radiotherapy, an alternative treatment for patients with inoperable early stage disease, remains undefined.
• In locally advanced and symptomatic lung cancer, photodynamic therapy can contribute to the relief of airway obstruction and hemoptysis, but its role is, as yet, not well defined in relation to other modalities of palliation.
• Serious adverse effects including fatal hemoptysis and respiratory failure can occur; therefore, the suitability of patients for this treatment should be carefully assessed. Since tumour necrosis can result in post-treatment airway obstruction, patients should be closely monitored after undergoing the procedure and toilet bronchoscopies repeated as indicated.

None provided

The recommendations are supported by evidence-based guidelines, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-controlled studies, and one summary paper.

• Maziak DE, Markman BR, Mackay JA, Evans WK, Lung Cancer Disease Site Group. The role of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a clinical practice guideline. Toronto (ON): Cancer Care Ontario (CCO); 2005 Nov 1. Various p. (Evidence-based series; no. 7-15). [27 references]

Not applicable: The guideline was not adapted from another source.

2005 Nov 1

Program in Evidence-based Care - State/Local Government Agency [Non-U.S.]

The Program in Evidence-based Care (PEBC) is a Province of Ontario initiative sponsored by Cancer Care Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Cancer Care Ontario
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Provincial Lung Cancer Disease Site Group

The primary authors of this guideline report declared no potential conflicts of interest.

None available

This summary was completed by ECRI on January 24, 2006. The information was verified by the guideline developer on February 23, 2006.