Photodynamic tumour therapy

The newest and most promising research field in intravenous laser therapy is the treatment of tumours in combination with photosensitizers (photodynamic tumour therapy).

The intravenous photosensitizers (Photofrin, Chlorin E6, Ukrain) are optimized by the parallel immune stimulation of the intravenous laser.

Picture: Chemical structure of Photofrin

These photosensitizers are derivatives of the hem molecule (hematoporphyrines) or of the chlorophyll molecule (chlorine) and therefore derivatives of natural material.

They bind themselves selectively to tumour cells (to increased expressed LDL receptors). After the activation by specific laserlight the tumour cells are destroyed by active oxygen radicals (singlet oxygen).

The best effects of photodynamic therapy could be achieved with consecutively external and interstitial laser irradiation of tumours and metastases.

Picture: Photofrin iv, Local irradiation from the perineum with red laserlight, transrectal endoscopic laser irradiation of prostate, Intravenous laser blood irradiation