Clinical trial of photodynamic therapy for peripheral-type lung cancers using a new laser device in a pilot study

•We developed a new laser probe, which allows accurate laser irradiation of a cancer lesion with simultaneous visualization of the lesion.•We attempted a new endobronchial photodymanic therapy (PDT) technique using the new laser probe.•This clinical trial was the first trial of talaporfin-PDT for c-stage IA peripheral lung cancer.•PDT was found to be a feasible and non-invasive treatment modality for early peripheral lung cancers.