Photodynamic therapy has been considered as the first choice of treatment for central-type early-stage
lung cancer. Recent advances in the comprehensive diagnosis of central-type early-stage
lung cancer and the selection of a good indication for
photodynamic therapy have been anticipated to improve the therapeutic outcome of this type of early-stage
lung cancer. In terms of enrollment, evaluation of the
tumor area on the bronchial surface and the depth of invasion in the bronchial wall is important. Autofluorescence bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasonography have shown considerable impact on diagnostic bronchoscopy for this type of
lung cancer. In terms of size, central-type early-stage
lung cancer of < 1 cm diameter has shown a favorable cure rate by
photodynamic therapy. The development of
photodynamic therapy with a new
photosensitizer is expected to further expand its indications to encompass even large
tumors of > 1.0 cm diameter owing to its stronger effect. We postulate that the indication of
photodynamic therapy will expand to larger central
tumors together with a possible therapeutic option for peripheral early
cancer.