Photodynamic therapy in oncology

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Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cancer treatment modality that is based on the administration of a photosensitiser, which is retained in tumour tissues more than in normal tissues, followed by illumination of the tumour with visible light in a wavelength range matching the absorption spectrum of the photosensitiser. The photosensitiser absorbs light energy and induces the production of reactive oxygen species in the tumour environment, generating a cascade of events that kills the tumour cells. The first generation photosensitiser, Photofrin® (porfirmer sodium), has been approved for oesophageal and lung cancer in the US and has been under investigation for other malignant and non-malignant diseases. Sub-optimal light penetration at the treatment absorption peak of Photofrin and prolonged skin photosensitivity in patients are limiting factors for this preparation. Several new photosensitisers have improved properties, especially absorption of longer wavelength light which penetrates deeper into tissue and...