OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the feasibility, toxicity, and effectiveness of combination therapy with Photofrin PDT and HDT brachytherapy in patients with endobronchial obstructions from lung cancer.
OUTLINE: This is not a randomized study. Photofrin solution is administered slowly as a bolus injection over 3-5 minutes on day 1. Bronchoscopy is performed under general anesthesia 48 hours after Photofrin injection. Light is transmitted from the laser to the tumor via quartz fiber optics (interstitial or surface PDT). Another bronchoscopy is performed 48 hours after PDT treatment to clean out any tissue debris left after PDT treatment. HDR brachytherapy is performed using prescribed dose of radiation for 5-10 minutes to designated positions. Repeat bronchoscopy is performed 3-4 weeks post HDR brachytherapy and a second HDR brachytherapy treatment may be given. Patients are followed every 3 months until death, or for 5 years.
PROJECTED ACCRUAL: 16 patients will be entered over 1.5 years.
