Second generation photodynamic agents: a review.
Over the last decade, laser treatment of neoplastic diseases has become routine.  The ability of these light-induced therapies to effect positive results is increased with the utilization of photosensitizing dyes.  The approval of Photofrin in Canada as a first generation photodynamic therapeutic agent for the treatment of some forms of bladder cancer is being followed by the development of other agents with improved properties.  At this time a number of second generation photosensitizing dyes are under study in phase I/II clinical trials. A review of the status of these trials along with mechanistic aspects is reviewed in this article.  In addition, a review of the status of lasers to be utilized for photodynamic therapy gives some indication of which instruments could be considered for this therapy in the future.
Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
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Sternberg
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Dolphin
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005544:Forecasting; D006415:Hematoporphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000639:trends; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome