Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE)

- The potential benefits of Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (V-PDT) in the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) was demonstrated in this preliminary study.
- V-PDT has the potential benefits for GAVE.
- The hemoglobin levels were steadily increased after one to four V-PDT sessions without a transfusion.

Background and Study AimVascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (V-PDT) has been used for several benign vascular diseases. The aim of this pilot study was to demonstrate the potential benefits of VPDT in the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE).Patients and MethodsData from patients with GAVE (n = 5) who underwent endoscopic V-PDT were analyzed retrospectively. Pre- and post-V-PDT clinical and endoscopic features, hemoglobin levels, and transfusion requirement were compared.ResultsThe five GAVE patients received one to four sessions of V-PDT. The hemoglobin levels of all five patients increased steadily following V-PDT. Within 6-48 months of follow-up, gastrointestinal bleeding and melena disappeared in all five patients and none of the patients needed a transfusion. Endoscopy examinations showed that the dilated vessels had disappeared without scar formation. No significant side effects or adverse reactions were reported.ConclusionThis preliminary study indicates the good selectivity, safety, and efficacy of V-PDT in the treatment of patients with GAVE. Larger prospective studies are needed to further confirm the feasibility of using V-PDT to treat patients with GAVE.