Treatment of astrocytoma grade III with Photofrin II as a radiosensitizer. A case report

INTRODUCTION: Astrocytomas are neoplasms that originate from glial cells. Anaplastic astrocytoma is classified as WHO III, with 27 % of the individuals with grade III astrocytoma living for at least 5 years even after treatment (radiation and chemotherapy). Photofrin II has been demonstrated to serve as a specific and selective radiosensitizing agent in both in vitro and in vivo tumor models.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This case report presents a woman suffering from an inoperable astrocytoma WHO III since 2004. The patient was treated with radiation therapy and Photofrin II as a radiosensitiser. The patient underwent irradiation with 40 + 20 Gy boost. The patient was given a single intravenous dose of 1 mg/kg Photofrin II 24 h prior to the initiation of radiation therapy.

RESULTS: The patient is still alive without any significant side effect with a follow up of 106 months. MRI shows no evidence of disease.

CONCLUSION: The follow-up results are encouraging regarding the application of Photofrin II as an effective radiosensitizing agent in the treatment of inoperable WHO III astrocytoma.