Targeting of the tumor microcirculation by photodynamic therapy with a synthetic porphycene

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9-acetoxy-2,7,12,17-tetrakis-(β-methoxyethyl)-porphycene (ATMPn) is a chemically pure substance with fast pharmacokinetics and superior photodynamic properties in vitro as compared to Photofrin®. In this study the pharmacokinetics, photodynamic efficacy and tissue localization of ATMPn were investigated in vivo. Amelanotic melanomas (A-Mel-3) were implanted in dorsal skin fold chambers fitted to Syrian Golden hamsters. Fluorescence kinetics of ATMPn (1.4 μmol kg −1 b.w.i.v; n = 8) were monitored by intravital microscopy. Quantitative measurements of fluorescence intensity were carried out by digital image analysis. For tumor growth studies 1.4 μmol kg −1 was injected 24 h ( n = 3), 3 h ( n = 3), 1 min ( n = 6) and 2.8 μmol kg −1 1 min ( n = 6) before PDT (Laser (630 nm) or lamp (600–750 nm), 100 mW cm −2, 100 J cm −2). Tumor volume was measured for 28 d. Solid tumors ( n = 3) were excised 1 min after injection of ATMPn (2.8 μmol kg −1) and cryostat sections (20 mm) were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) for tissue localization of the dye. Maximal fluorescence (mean ± S.E.) arose in the tumor (94 ± 7%) and surrounding host tissue (67 ± 5%) 30 s post injection followed by a rapid decrease. Hardly any fluorescence was detectable 12 h after administration. Only PDT 1 min after injection of ATMPn was effective yielding 3 6 complete remissions (2.8 mmol kg −1, laser) and 6 6 complete remissions (2.8 μmol kg −1, lamp), respectively. One minute after injection the dye is primarily localized in the vascular wall of normal and tumor vessels as shown by CLSM. PDT at a time, when the dye is localized primarily in the tumor microcirculation, exhibits the best tumor killing effects showing that vascular targeting is effective in treating solid malignant tumors. ATMPn in liposomes makes administration and light irradiation in one session possible due to its fast pharmacokinetics. Thus, using ATMPn as a photosensitizer may provide more flexibility to perform PDT after surgical exploration and debulking as adjuvant therapy.