Hematoporphyrin derivative for detection and management of cancer

Abstract

Hematoporphyrin derivative has been evaluated as a means of detecting malignancy in 121 patients suspected of having cancer. Areas examined included the cervix, vagina, tracheobronchial tree, esophagus, peritoneum and rectum. Dysplastic and neoplastic tissue was identified by red fluorescence whereas nonneoplastic tissue appeared grayish white to black. Thirty-three of 35 primary malignancies of the cervix and vagina were detected by fluorescence. The technique was especially helpful for the identification of recurrent lesions. In the fluorescent endoscopy group, the region of malignancy was identified by fluorescence in 32 of the 34 cases in which the lesion was located where the activating light could reach it in sufficient intensity. Hematoporphyrin derivative is a valuable adjunct to detection and management of malignancy, especially in the patient who presents a problem of the extent, location or possible recurrence of a malignant lesion.