Using Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) to Amplify the Response to Immunotherapy in Patients With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer With Pleural Disease

Chair of Thoracic Surgery at Roswell Park, Dr. Sai Yendamuri, shares insights into an exciting phase I trial evaluating the side effects of intraoperative photodynamic therapy (PDT) with porfimer sodium in enhancing the response to immunotherapy with an immune checkpoint inhibitor drug in patients with non-small cell lung cancer with pleural disease. Developed at Roswell Park, PDT is a technique that works by combining a photosensitizing agent (porfimer sodium in this trial) and an intense light source to kill tumor cells. Photodynamic therapy may decrease the patients' symptoms and improve their quality of life.