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Experimental photodynamic therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma with pegylated mTHPC

Thorsten Krueger1, Hans J Altermatt, Daniel Mettler

  • 1Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne, CH-1011 Lausanne. thorsten.krueger@chuv.hospvd.ch

Abstract

Insights

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with PEG-mTHPC selectively destroyed malignant pleural mesothelioma xenografts without harming normal tissues. Intraoperative PDT in pigs was well-tolerated, showing promise for mesothelioma treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Photochemistry
  • Surgical Innovation

Background:

  • Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options.
  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a targeted approach to cancer treatment.
  • A novel polyethylene glycol conjugate of meta-tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin (PEG-mTHPC) was developed for PDT.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To experimentally assess the efficacy and safety of PEG-mTHPC mediated PDT for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
  • To evaluate intraoperative PDT in a preclinical porcine model following extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP).

Main Methods:

  • PDT was tested on H-meso-1 xenografts using a 652 nm laser and varying doses of PEG-mTHPC.
  • Intraoperative PDT was performed in the chest cavity of minipigs post-EPP using a specialized light delivery device and dosimetry.
  • Tumor response and tissue damage were assessed via histology.

Main Results:

  • PEG-mTHPC mediated PDT significantly increased tumor necrosis in xenografts compared to controls (P < or = 0.01).
  • No damage to normal tissue was observed in xenograft studies.
  • Intraoperative PDT in pigs was well-tolerated in 17 of 18 animals, with no significant PDT-related tissue injury observed at 3 months post-treatment.

Conclusions:

  • PEG-mTHPC mediated PDT demonstrates selective destruction of mesothelioma xenografts.
  • Intraoperative PDT in a porcine model showed safety and effective light distribution within the chest cavity.
  • This approach holds potential for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma.

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