Photodynamic therapy and simultaneous near-infrared light-induced hyperthermia in human malignant tumours. A methodological case study

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) alone and PDT with simultaneous near-infrared light-induced hyperthermia were successfully used in the treatment of two different kinds of human malignant tumours. Seven lesions of 1-4 mm thick basal cell carcinoma were treated by PDT in one patient. PDT and near-infrared light-induced hyperthermia were performed simultaneously to six 5-10 mm thick lesions of recurrent breast cancer in another patient. In order to obtain a well characterized therapeutical situation, several relevant physical parameters, such as superficial blood perfusion, temperature rise and tumour fluorescence characteristics, were monitored. As photosensitizer DHE (Photofrin II) was used at a concentration of 2 mg/kg b.w. administered i.v. 48120 hours before treatment. Radiation of 630 nm was delivered by a CW dye laser, normally at an energy dose of 60 J/cm2, at a dose rate well below the hyperthermal region. Light-induced hyperthermia was achieved using a slide projector with all radiation below 665 nm blocked by a coloured glass filter. PDT parameters and tissue temperature recordings were used as input data for an analytical PDT/hyperthermia model.Photodynamic therapy (PDT) alone and PDT with simultaneous near-infrared light-induced hyperthermia were successfully used in the treatment of two different kinds of human malignant tumours. Seven lesions of 1-4 mm thick basal cell carcinoma were treated by PDT in one patient. PDT and near-infrared light-induced hyperthermia were performed simultaneously to six 5-10 mm thick lesions of recurrent breast cancer in another patient. In order to obtain a well characterized therapeutical situation, several relevant physical parameters, such as superficial blood perfusion, temperature rise and tumour fluorescence characteristics, were monitored. As photosensitizer DHE (Photofrin II) was used at a concentration of 2 mg/kg b.w. administered i.v. 48120 hours before treatment. Radiation of 630 nm was delivered by a CW dye laser, normally at an energy dose of 60 J/cm2, at a dose rate well below the hyperthermal region. Light-induced hyperthermia was achieved using a slide projector with all radiation below 665 nm blo...