Photodynamic therapy of U87 human glioma in nude rat using liposome-delivered photofrin.
OBJECTIVE
Liposomes as photosensitizer carriers may enhance the photodynamic effect on tumors.


METHODS
To test this hypothesis, we treated U87 human glioma in rat brain with photodynamic therapy (PDT) using Photofrin encapsulated in a liposome carrier or Photofrin in dextrose. Nontumored brain was also treated and Photofrin content ratios were measured in tumor and nontumored brain.


RESULTS
PDT using the liposome encapsulated photosensitizer significantly increased tumor destruction compared to PDT with Photofrin in dextrose (P = 0.007), whereas no difference in tissue damage was detected in nontumored brain with or without liposome carrier. Photofrin uptake was also significantly elevated in the liposome vehicle group compared to the dextrose (P < 0.05) group.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that Photofrin encapsulated in a liposome may enhance the PDT treatment of human brain tumors.
Jiang
F
F
Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Health Sciences Center, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA.
Lilge
L
L
Grenier
J
J
Li
Y
Y
Wilson
M D
MD
Chopp
M
M
D000818:Animals; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017323:Dihematoporphyrin Ether / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006414:Hematoporphyrin Photoradiation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D051381:Rats; D011923:Rats, Nude
D004337:Drug Carriers; D008081:Liposomes; D017323:Dihematoporphyrin Ether