New distributors for homogeneous and monitorable light delivery in photodynamic therapy

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Abstract
Novel light distributors for interstitial and esophageal photodynamic therapy are presented. A cylindrical light diffuser has been developed mainly for medical applications like interstitial photodynamic therapy, treatment of the bronchi and arterisclerosis. It can be made with a diameter as small as 1 mm or even less. For interstitial therapy, it can be introduced via a hypodermic needle. The main property of this light diffuser is the homogeneity of the light intensity emitted along its whole length which can be 100 mm or more, as well as its excellent radial homogeneity (360 degree(s)) and flexibility. Furthermore, its optical properties are hardly dependent on wavelength used for treatment (500 - 700 nm). Light distributors for esophageal treatment with homogeneity better than +/- 10% have been built and successfully used clinically. A measuring optical fiber allows the control of the dosimetry during the irradiation. Some other properties like the photosensitizer uptake in the tissue or the photobleaching can also be measured in situ and in real time during the treatment.

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