Laser and Light-Sensitive drug shrink lung tumors in early trial

NCT ID NCT03735095

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase trial tested a treatment called photodynamic therapy for people with advanced lung cancer that blocks airways. Patients received a light-sensitive drug followed by a laser to activate it inside the tumor. The goal was to see if the treatment is safe and can shrink tumors to ease symptoms. Nineteen adults with lung cancer took part.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Porfimer sodium (a light-sensitive drug)

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could offer a new way to shrink airway-blocking tumors and improve breathing in people with advanced lung cancer.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial with only 19 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment involves a drug that makes skin and eyes sensitive to light, and there is a risk of serious side effects.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

lung cancer lung neoplasm neoplasm non-small cell lung carcinoma small cell lung carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Roswell Park Cancer Institute

    Buffalo, New York, 14263, United States