A new sensitizer, hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME), purified by the Second Military Medical University was used with a gold vapor laser for PDT in 8 cases of alimentary cancers. The results showed that 2 cases of early stage gastric cancer and 1 case of rectal polyps with malignancy revealed CR, SR was obtained in 1 case of esophageal cancer and 4 others were MR. No sunburn occurred within the 8 patients who received 12 doses of HMME at 5 mg/kg 2 - 3 hours prior to laser treatment and who were kept away from sun light only 6 hours. Hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether is an effective single compound and safer for PDT.