The use of porphyrins and non-ionizing radiation for treatment of cancer.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the treatment of malignant lesions with visible light following systemic or local administration of a photosensitizer or its precursor. Initially, hematoporphyrin derivative and a purified component called Photofrin II was used for clinical PDT. Later on interest has focused on new sensitizers with more favourable absorption as regards light transmission in tissues. Twenty years of clinical experience has revealed that PDT is best applied to early stage cancers. The present review discusses the basic components of PDT and its clinical use in treatment of cancer.
Evensen
J F
JF
Department of Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
D006414:Hematoporphyrin Photoradiation / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*