Laser dosimetry studies in the prostate.
OBJECTIVE
To review the currently available data of photodynamic therapy (PDT) optical dosimetry for possible prostatic applications.


BACKGROUND
PDT is a new cancer treatment modality often used as an alternative tumor treatment method. Recently, PDT has been suggested as an alternative therapy for prostatic carcinoma and BPH.


METHODS
PDT: utilizes light and a preadministered photosensitizer drug to achieve localized tumor control. This article reviews currently available data on optical dosimetry of PDT in both human and canine prostates.


RESULTS
At 630 nm, a common wavelength used for Photofrin PDT, results indicate that light penetration is similar in cancerous and normal prostatic tissue. Because of limited light penetration, multiple fiber irradiation is necessary if eradicating the entire prostate glad is the ultimate goal. The available data also show that dynamic changes occur in light fluence rate distribution during PDT irradiation.


CONCLUSIONS
PDT can be used to destroy prostatic tissue. Real-time optical dosimetry is necessary if accurate lesion volume control is desired.
Chen
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Research and Development, HealthONE, Denver, CO 80208, USA. junye@cris.com
Hetzel
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D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017323:Dihematoporphyrin Ether / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004285:Dogs; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011467:Prostate / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D011874:Radiometry
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D017323:Dihematoporphyrin Ether