Photofrin photodynamic therapy can significantly deplete or preserve oxygenation in human basal cell carcinomas during treatment, depending on fluence rate.

At high fluence rates in animal models, photodynamic therapy (PDT) can photochemically deplete ambient tumor oxygen through the generation of singlet oxygen, causing acute hypoxia and limiting treatment effectiveness. We report that standard clinical treatment conditions (1 mg/kg Photofrin, light at 630 nm and 150 mW/cm2), which are highly effective for treating human basal cell carcinomas, significantly diminished tumor oxygen levels during initial light delivery in a majority of carcinomas. Oxygen depletion could be found during at least 40% of the total light dose, but tumors appeared well oxygenated toward the end of treatment. In contrast, initial light delivery at a lower fluence rate of 30 mW/cm2 increased tumor oxygenation in a majority of carcinomas. Laser treatment caused an intensity- and treatment time-dependent increase in tumor temperature. The data suggest that high fluence rate treatment, although effective, may be inefficient.

Trigeminal trophic syndrome mimicking Wegener's granulomatosis. A case report with a review of the literature.

Trigeminal neuropathy with nasal ulceration, called trigeminal trophic syndrome, is an unusual complication of anesthesia in the trigeminal area. We present a case to illustrate the diagnostic and management problems that this syndrome presents.

The Roswell Park Cancer Institute experience with extramammary Paget's disease.

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare intraepithelial neoplasm. Common sites of occurrence include the vulva, perianal region, perineum and scrotum. Despite frequent recurrences, surgery is the standard treatment. This study examines the recurrence rate for EMPD treated by conventional surgical management. Alternative and multimodal therapeutic approaches are reviewed. This retrospective analysis included all 30 patients treated for EMPD at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) between 1970 and 1998. Following conventional surgical treatment, 44% of our patients developed recurrence. Vulvectomy provided the lowest recurrence rate, but involved extensive tissue loss and functional debility. Multimodal treatment using Mohs' micrographic surgery and photodynamic therapy has been used at RPCI to manage EMPD with minimal tissue loss and no functional impairment. Surgical treatment offers a moderate chance of EMPD cure. Long-term multimodal approaches require close follow-up, but may conserve both tissue and function.