Hematoporphyrin derivative and laser photoradiation in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.

Diagnosis and treatment of 8 patients with malignant bladder tumors were performed with intravenous 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 to 18 months. To our knowledge this is the first report describing total regression of bladder tumors obtained by photoradiation. Swelling and edema were noted within 20 minutes 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 to 10 weeks.