Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, with 1.4 million cases in 2016 globally. This systematic review aimed to analyse whether vascular-targeted photodynamic (VTP) therapy with padeliporfin is more effective and safer compared to active surveillance (AS) or radical therapies for low-risk prostate cancer.

In total, for the effectiveness analysis, one randomised controlled study (RCT) and its four-year follow-up (VTP therapy vs. AS) and for the safety analysis, one additional prospective single-arm study met the inclusion criteria and were extracted. Overall, the level of evidence was rated as "low" to “moderate” for the outcomes of clinical effectiveness and safety. The current evidence is not sufficient to conclude that VTP therapy with padeliporfin is more effective and safer than AS. No studies comparing VTP therapy with padeliporfin to radical therapies were identified.

We currently do not recommend the inclusion of the procedure in the Austrian hospital benefit catalogue. A re-evaluation is only recommended for intermediate-risk prostate cancer from 2030 onwards after an ongoing RCT has been completed.