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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

An In-House-Built and Light-Emitting-Diode-Based Photodynamic Therapy Device for Enhancing Verteporfin Cytotoxicity in a 2D Cell Culture Model
Published on: January 13, 2023
Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin of choroidal malignancy from breast cancer
Vincenzo Isola1, Alfredo Pece, Luisa Pierro
1Retina and Angiography Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Melegnano Hospital, Milan, Italy. isolavincenzo@aliceposta.it
Purpose:
To evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin for treating a submacular choroidal metastasis from breast cancer.
Design:
Interventional case report.
Methods:
Multispot PDT irradiation of tumor surface was performed in a 45-year-old woman who had a choroidal metastasis from breast cancer in the right eye. The response of uveal metastasis to photodynamic action was investigated with the use of fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Results:
Within four months after photosensitization, the exudative detachment of the macula was resolved, with improvement in the visual acuity following decrease in the tumor vascular permeability and absorption of subretinal fluid.
Conclusions:
PDT can effectively destroy a malignant tissue and induce an antitumor activity. PDT as an adjunct to chemotherapy is a possible treatment and might be appropriate for patients who require ocular treatment only.
