San Diego, CA – A combination of medications and a particular light therapy is effective at treating certain types of head and neck cancers in subtropical climates.
In a paper presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in San Diego, researchers from the University of Miami presented findings from a study on dysplasia and carcinomas of the head and neck. It analyzed the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT), a treatment that uses a drug, called a photosensitizer or photosensitizing agent, and a particular type of light in tropical climates. The study involved 24 males and 22 females, with an average age of 66 years. A total of 82 different lesions were treated, mostly in the oral cavity and vocal chords.
Results revealed that organ preservation and cancer cure can be achieved in patients with recurrent cancer that is superficially spread in the head and neck, but not deeply infiltrated. However, the authors cautioned that patients need extensive instruction on how to take the medications and follow-up counseling.
PDT is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, may be repeated, and may be used with other therapies, such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, giving patients a variety of treatment options.
Title: Photodynamic therapy of cancer in the tropics
Presenters: Michael Bublik, MD, Penelope Fisher, MS; Gina Jefferson, MD; David Arnold, MD; Francisco J. Civantos, MD
Information for the Media: The AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO Newsroom will be located in the San Diego Convention Center, Mezzanine Level, Room 14A. Hours of operation: Saturday, October 3, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday-Tuesday, October 4 – 6, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, October 7, 7:30 am to 2 pm (all hours Pacific time). The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the news media. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event.
Onsite Newsroom contact: 1-619-525-6202
About the AAO-HNS
The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents nearly 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's vision: "Empowering otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to deliver the best patient care."