Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with phenotiazinium compounds (methylene blue and toluidine blue) and excitation by a non-coherent light source (RL50) to treat AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (Sk-AIDS).
Background data: Sk-AIDS is a malignant disease that is recurrent in AIDS patients. Laser-based PDT protocols have been applied to treat Sk-AIDS with relative success.
Methods: A single patient with multiple lesions who had undergone chemotherapy without success was treated with several applications of PDT, and the patient was closely evaluated. The PDT protocol consisted of injecting a mixture of phenotiazinium compounds into the lesions and applying RL50 at 18 J/cm(2).
Results: Complete remission with excellent cosmetic result was observed. This result was discussed in terms of the known mechanisms of PDT action and compared with other PDT protocols.
Conclusion: This inexpensive PDT protocol, which is based on phenothiazinium compounds and RL50, is efficient to treat Sk-AIDS.