Photodynamic diagnosis in the gastrointestinal tract.
Clinical data on photodynamic diagnosis for the detection of premalignant and malignant lesions in the gastrointestinal tract are encouraging so far. A major benefit of using autofluorescence is the lack of side effects because no sensitizer has to be applied.However, highly sophisticated detection systems are needed to enhance the weak autofluorescence-based fluorescent signal. New prototypes of autofluorescence video endoscopes are under way and will be decisive for further clinical use, especially because results of recently published studies have been disappointing.
Endlicher
Esther
E
Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Regensburg, 03042 Regensburg, Germany.
Messmann
Helmut
H
D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods*; D005453:Fluorescence; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011524:Protoporphyrins
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011524:Protoporphyrins; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid