Photodynamic therapy in head and neck cancer.

A group of 24 patients with recurrent and/or metastatic cancers were treated with photodynamic therapy using hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD) to study feasibility of this new technique. This experience demonstrated that photodynamic therapy is possible for head and neck cancer and that the toxic reactions and complications are minimal. The short durations of response in this group of patients most probably are a reflection of current lack of understanding about what represents maximal tolerable doses of HpD and frequencies of treatment.