A Pilot Randomized Clinical Study of the Additive Treatment Effect of Photodynamic Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients with Chest Wall Recurrence

PURPOSE This study investigated the additive effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) plus traditional radiotherapy (RT) for patients with breast cancer and chest wall recurrence. METHODS A total of 40 patients with recurrent breast cancer were prospectively randomized to receive RT alone (group A, n=20) or PDT and RT in combination (group B, n=20). Traditional RT at a dose of 50 Gy was delivered in 25 fractions with or without exposure to 5-aminolevulinic acid and red light as PDT. RESULTS The response rates were not statistically different between the groups, but more patients achieved a complete response (CR) in group B (50%) than in group A (20%). The median time to CR in group B was significantly shorter than that in group A (109.6 days vs. 175.2 days, p=0.001). Adverse event profiles were not different between the groups. CONCLUSION An additive antitumor effect is demonstrated with additional PDT to RT. This combination therapy might reduce the duration of exposure to RT, but further investigation is warranted.