Photodynamic therapy of malignant tumors--recent developments.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising new cancer treatment modality in which tumor cells are killed as a result of photoactivation of a tumor-localizing photosensitizing agent. Since activating light can be targeted specifically to tumors, and tumor-selective photosensitizing agents are being developed, this treatment has the potential to induce highly selective destruction of malignant cells. To date, PDT has been applied to a large variety of human carcinomas, resulting in successful eradication of single tumor nodules and several types of superficial tumors. Current research is aimed at improving the efficacy and tumor-selectivity and tumor destruction. The most immediate benefits of PDT are likely to be seen in patients treated with a combination of this and other forms of therapy.
Lin
C W
CW
Urology Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010778:Photochemotherapy