In Japan,
Photodynamic therapy (
PDT) is recommended as a treatment option for centrally located early-stage
lung cancers (CLELCs). It is a minimally invasive treatment with excellent anti-
tumor effects. The 2nd generation
photosensitizer,
talaporfin sodium has strong anti-
tumor effects with much less photosensitivity than
porfimer sodium. Moreover, the
laser equipment is compact and portable, and
talaporfin sodium is now the current mainstay of
PDT for
lung cancer. For successful
PDT, accurate evaluation of
tumor extent and bronchial invasion is crucial. Detailed examination of the
tumor using autofluorescence bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasonography or optical coherence tomography is extremely useful before
PDT. At present,
PDT has become the 1st choice of treatment for CLELC in institutions with the necessary equipment. It can also be effective for advanced
lung cancer causing tracheobronchial obstruction. With such advances in
PDT for CLELC, we are expanding the indications of
PDT for not only CLELC, but also peripheral type
lung cancer.