Professional Statements and Societal Positions Guidelines
National Comprehensive Cancer Network - 2024
Esophageal Cancer and Barrett Esophagus
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines (v.3.2024) for esophageal cancer state that radiofrequency ablation has become the preferred treatment while PDT is an alternative strategy for individuals who have Barrett esophagus with HGD. Regarding palliative PDT, they note that 'long-term palliation of dysphagia can be achieved with endoscopic tumor ablation by Nd:YAG [neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet] laser, PDT, and cryoablation, or endoscopic and radiographic-assisted insertion of expandable metal or plastic stents.' The guidelines also state that PDT can effectively treat esophageal obstruction but 'is less commonly performed due to photosensitivity and costs' compared with radiotherapy and brachytherapy.
Cholangiocarcinoma
The NCCN (v.2.2024) guidelines on biliary tract cancers describe PDT as a relatively new therapy for local treatment of unresectable cholangiocarcinoma, stating that the combination of PDT and biliary stenting 'was reported to be associated with prolonged overall survival in individuals with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma based on two (2) small randomized clinical trials.
Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
The NCCN guidelines (v.5.2024) on non-small-cell lung cancer state that PDT is a treatment option for individuals with locoregional recurrence of non-small-cell lung cancer with an endobronchial obstruction or severe hemoptysis.
