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ALA and Photofrin® Fluorescence-guided resection and repetitive PDT in glioblastoma multiforme: a single centre Phase III randomised controlled trial

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Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) carries dismal prognosis and cannot be eradicated surgically because of its wide brain invasion. The objective of this prospective randomised controlled trial was to evaluate ALA and Photofrin® fluorescence-guided resection (FGR) and repetitive photodynamic therapy (PDT) in GBM. We recruited 27 patients; 13 were in the study group and 14 were in the control group. The mean survival of the study group was 52.8 weeks compared to 24.6 weeks in the control group (p < 0.01). The study group gained on average 20 points on the Karnofsky performance score (p < 0.05). There were no differences in complications or hospital stay between the two groups. The mean time to tumour progression was 8.6 months in the study group compared to 4.8 months in the control group (p < 0.05). Therefore, ALA and Photofrin® fluorescence-guided resection and repetitive PDT offered a worthwhile survival advantage without added risk to patients with GBM. A multicentre randomized controlled trial is warranted to confirm these results.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the Laser technicians, nurses, other therapists and doctors, who assisted in delivering care and therapy to our patients.

This study was funded by Barbara Stewart Cancer Trust, a charitable organisation dedicated for funding the advancement of photodynamic techniques in cancer treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Scottish Photodynamic Therapy Centre, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK

    M. Sam Eljamel, Carol Goodman & Harry Moseley

  2. NHS Tayside and the University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK

    M. Sam Eljamel, Carol Goodman & Harry Moseley

  3. Department of Neurosurgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, DD6 8EF Scotland, UK

    M. Sam Eljamel, Carol Goodman & Harry Moseley

Authors
  1. M. Sam Eljamel
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  2. Carol Goodman
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  3. Harry Moseley
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Correspondence to M. Sam Eljamel.

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Eljamel, M.S., Goodman, C. & Moseley, H. ALA and Photofrin® Fluorescence-guided resection and repetitive PDT in glioblastoma multiforme: a single centre Phase III randomised controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci 23, 361–367 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-007-0494-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-007-0494-2

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