Poor Results of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid-Photodynamic Therapy for Residual High-Grade Dysplasia and Early Cancer in Barrett Esophagus after Endoscopic Resection

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of residual high-grade dysplasia or early cancer (HGD/EC) after endoscopic resection in Barrett esophagus. Study patients were separated into group A, with proven residual HGD/EC, and group B with possible HGD/EC (positive lateral margins in the endoscopic resection specimen, without HGD/EC in the remaining Barrett esophagus). PDT treatment consisted of 5-aminolevulinic (5-ALA) photosensitization (40 mg/kg) followed by illumination of the Barrett esophagus with a total light dose of 100 J/cm (2). Complete remission was defined as the absence of HGD/EC in biopsies taken in two consecutive follow-up endoscopies. The percentage regression of Barrett esophagus, as well as the recurrence rate of HGD/EC, was calculated. 20 patients underwent PDT (group A, 11; group B, 9). Mild complications were seen in 4/26 procedures. The overall success rate was 15/20 (75 %). There was a significant difference in success rate between group A (55 %) and group B (100 %); P = 0.03. All patients had residual Barrett esophagus after PDT; the median regression percentage was 50 % (IQR 25 - 70 %). Recurrence of HGD/EC occurred in four patients (two each in groups A and B) after a median follow up of 30 months. In this selected group of patients, the addition of 5-ALA-PDT after endoscopic resection for HGD/EC had a disappointing success rate in patients who had residual HGD/EC after endoscopic resection. Most patients undergoing 5-ALA-PDT have residual Barrett mucosa after PDT and 5-ALA-PDT does not seem to prevent recurrences during follow-up.