Abstract: Multiple centers in this country and throughout the world have documented the efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) in the treatment of cancers of the tracheobronchial tree. While PDT can effectively achieve airway patency by treating bulky obstructing tumors, its most promising role for treating tracheobronchial cancers is in the treatment of superficial early stage tumors which can potentially be treated for cure with this technique. Unfortunately more widespread use of PDT awaits FDA approval which will be slow in coming due to the need for randomized controlled studies. Many improvements are needed in the thoracic application of the Nd:YAG Laser and PDT. However efforts to prevent lung cancer and detect early lung tumors may prove more beneficial than improvement of current systems which are all too often utilized on end stage tumors. !21
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