A two-center retrospective study of photodynamic therapy in patients with advanced central squamous cell carcinoma

As a palliative care tool, PDT is an effective way to improve symptoms in patients with advanced airway malignancies with few complications. Clinical data of 126 patients diagnosed with primary tracheobronchial squamous cell carcinoma in Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from January 2018 to December 2024 were retrospectively collected. After 1 month of photodynamic therapy, the degree of airway stenosis was improved (P<0.05). The patients' symptoms were greatly improved and their survival benefited. Photodynamic is expected to be a promising palliative therapy for the treatment of airway malignancies, especially in middle and advanced patients, which is worthy of further clinical and basic research.