Photodynamic therapy of the intact breast

Allison, R.R.; Sibata, C.; Downie, G.H.; Cuenca, R.E.

doi:10.1016/S1572-1000(06)00008-1

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Volume 3, Issue 3 , Pages 139-146, September 2006

Photodynamic therapy of the intact breast

R.R. Allison
- PDT Center, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
C. Sibata, PhD
- PDT Center, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 252 744 3712; fax: +1 252 744 2812.
G.H. Downie
- PDT Center, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
R.E. Cuenca
- PDT Center, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville NC 27858, USA

Summary

As breast cancer is diagnosed in over a million patients a year it is a significant oncological issue. Treatment paradigms have shifted to emphasize breast preservation protocols. However, due to a lack of equipment and facilities this option is only rarely offered to poverty stricken patients and those in the developing world. Photodynamic therapy may play a role in allowing for greater breast conservation based in part on the emerging success of partial breast radiation. This paper will review the rationale behind and technical aspects for intact breast photodynamic therapy.

Keywords: Breast cancer, PDT, Preservation therapy, Radiation therapy, Surgery