Combined photodynamic therapy for metastatic breast cancer: possibilities and results (clinical case)

Abstract

The Center for Photodynamic Therapy of the Hospital of the Medical Center of the Administrative Department of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan has clinical experience in treating cutaneous metastases of breast cancer. This paper presents the results of clinical observation of a patient with metastatic breast cancer who underwent combined photodynamic therapy, including systemic photomodification of blood and local irradiation of metastatic lesions. This clinical case is of particular interest since the patient did not receive standard antitumor treatments such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy. This was due to advanced age and decreased tolerance to aggressive treatment regimens associated with comorbidities, which limited the feasibility of conventional therapy. Despite the absence of systemic treatment, the use of combined photodynamic therapy resulted in a pronounced positive clinical response. A reduction in the size and infiltration of cutaneous metastatic lesions, as well as an improvement in the patient’s general condition and quality of life, were observed. These findings demonstrate the potential of photodynamic therapy as an effective and safe alternative therapeutic approach for metastatic breast cancer, particularly in clinical situations where the use of standard treatment protocols is impossible or contraindicated.