Transport of light in tissue in photodynamic therapy.

Abstract

Abstract The dose rate in photodynamic therapy is proportional to the energy fluence rate and the concentration of the photosensitizer. Calculations of the energy fluence rate have been performed in slab, cylindrical and spherical geometries with the discrete ordinates transport method and diffusion theory. The attentuation of the energy fluence rate is least in slab geometry and greatest in spherical geometry. Violet (405 nm) light is attenuated much more rapidly than red (630 nm) light. Small tissue dimensions or narrow beam irradiation further decrease the energy fluence rate with radius and depth. Anisotropic scattering increases the energy fluence rate at large depths, but decreases it near the source. Measurements of the absolute energy fluence rate vs depth in a mouse tumor model exhibit an order of magnitude attenuation through the skin and a 3 mm thick tumor. Calculations of the energy fluence rate of the DHE fluorescence have been carried out to guide measurement of the concentration. Violet light excitation is much more efficient than red light excitation.