Photodynamic Therapy With Porfimer Sodium in Treating Patients With Refractory Brain Tumors

Summary

RATIONALE: Photodynamic therapy uses light and photosensitizing drugs to kill tumor cells and may be an effective treatment for refractory brain tumors. PURPOSE: This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of photodynamic therapy using porfimer sodium in treating patients with refractory brain tumors, including astrocytoma, ependymoma, and medulloblastoma.

Timeline

Start

1994-05

Primary completion

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Completion

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Publications

• Background Schmidt MH, Bajic DM, Reichert KW 2nd, Martin TS, Meyer GA, Whelan HT. Light-emitting diodes as a light source for intraoperative photodynamic therapy. Neurosurgery. 1996 Mar;38(3):552-6; discussion 556-7. doi: 10.1097/00006123-199603000-00025.

Drugs

Indications