Photodynamic therapy for angiosarcoma of scalp as alternative approach for surgical treatment in patient with severe co-morbidity

Abstract

A case of successful photodynamic therapy in patient of 86 y.o. with diagnosis: angiosarcoma of right temporal-parietal region stage IIA (Т_2вN₀M₀) is reported. The tumor was as soft tissue round shape lesion with tuberous contours 3.4х3.4х1.1 cm in size, located in subcutaneous tissue in right parietal region with no scull bone invasion. The patient was refused to surgical treatment with general anesthesia due to severe cardiovascular co-morbidity. The patient underwent a course of photodynamic therapy with Photolon. The photosensitizer was intravenousely introduced for 3 h before irradiation at dose of 1 mg/kg body weight. The parameters of irradiation were as follows: output power – 0.8 W, light dose – 150 J/cm², 4 irradiation fields 2.5 cm in diameter. During the irradiation there were moderate pain which did not require drug management. After PDT complete regression of the tumor was achieved. For nowadays (11 months after treatment) the patient is observed with no recurrence. The reported case shows that photodynamic therapy may be successfully used for alternative treatment of soft tissue angiosarcoma in patients with no ability for surgical treatment.