ANCILLARY THERAPIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LUNG-CANCER - PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY, LASER THERAPY, AND ENDOBRONCHIAL PROSTHETIC DEVICES

Endoscopic therapy for cancer that involves the tracheobronchial tree is currently available for two distinct types of lesions: radiographic ally occult superficial squamous cell carcinoma and advanced malignant tumors that cause severe airway obstruction. Photodynamic therapy, wh ich uses a photo-sensitizing agent, is effective for managing early su perficial squamous cell carcinoma. Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet l aser therapy has been effective in the palliative management of patien ts with advanced or recurrent malignant obstructive airway lesions, ei ther alone or in combination with intraluminal radiation therapy. Most recently, endobronchial prosthetic devices (stents) have been used in patients with advanced airway obstruction. The use of each of these m odalities in the management of lung cancer is reviewed.