Hematoporphyrin Derivative and Laser Photoradiation in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Bladder Cancer

Abstract

Diagnosis and treatment of 8 patients with malignant bladder tumors were performed with i.v. administration of hematoporphyrin derivative, followed by krypton-ion laser violet light photoradiation and argon-dye laser red light photoradiation therapy. Fluorescence permitting localization and evaluation of the lesion was recognized in all 8 patients. Photoradiation with red argon-dye laser light obtained complete remission in 6 patients, with followup from 6-18 mo. This is the 1st known report describing total regression of bladder tumors obtained by photoradiation. Swelling and edema were noted within 20 min after argon-dye laser photoradiation therapy of bladder tumors. Necrosis and partial covering of the tumor by a whitish necrotic mass were noted after 3 days. The whitish mass covered the entire tumor at 7 to 14 days. Gradual exfoliation of the mass was followed by disappearance of the tumor and regeneration of normal mucosa at 9-10 wk.