Abstract
Objective. The hypercalcemic type of the small cell carcinoma of the ovary (HTSCCO) is a rapidly fatal ovarian tumor in young women. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) induces selective necrosis to malignant tissues. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity of the HTSCCO to PDT in a mouse xenograft model.Methods. Tumors were obtained from a patient with a HTSCCO and were transplanted into nude mice. Following photosensitization with m-THPC, either superficial or interstitial laser light was administered to the tumors. Necroses were measured by morphometry. Serum calcium levels were determined prior to and after PDT.Results. Superficial irradiation of m-THPC sensitized tumors showed over three times more necrosis than control tumors (P = 0.037). Interstitially irradiated tumors showed over seven times more necrosis than control tumors (P = 0.0012). All animals showed a highly significant hypercalcemia prior to PDT (P < 0.0001). PDT induced a significant decrease in serum calcium levels (P = 0.0297).Conclusion. This study suggests that PDT may be of therapeutic value for the HTSCCO.
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