Photoimmunotherapy for Local Recurrence of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Photoimmunotherapy (PIT), developed by the National Cancer Institute, involves Cetuximab sarotalocan sodium infusion followed by laser irradiation. PIT exerts specific antitumor effects on a variety of carcinomas that express epidermal growth factor receptors. PIT is a new cancer treatment option approved by Japan ahead of other countries worldwide. As of 2022, PIT is indicated in “unresectable, locally advanced, or locally recurrent head and neck cancer, with priority given to standard treatments such as chemotherapy when available”. The conventional treatment for unresectable locally advanced or locally recurrent head and neck cancer is palliative. Whether photoimmunotherapy can be curative for unresectable locally advanced head and neck cancers depends on the case. Herein, we report a case of locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma, treated with photoimmunotherapy via the nasal cavity, along with a literature review. Preoperative simulation provided considerable information on device selection, numbers of devices, and availability of working space. As a result, a complete response was obtained following a cylindrical diffuser puncture. Cases of local recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma are considered a good indication for PIT. However, since the follow-up period after treatment was short in this case, we will continue to conduct strict follow-ups and accumulate more cases.