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14:14
Adaptation of Semiautomated Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) Assays for Clinical and Preclinical Research Applications
Published on: February 28, 2014
ALA and its clinical impact, from bench to bedside
Barbara Krammer1, Kristjan Plaetzer
1University of Salzburg, Department of Molecular Biology, Austria. barbara.krammer@sbg.ac.at
Summary
5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) induces protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) for fluorescence diagnosis and photodynamic therapy. ALA-based treatments show low systemic photosensitivity and minimal overtreatment risk for various conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) induces protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulation, utilized in fluorescence diagnosis (ALA-FD) and photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT).
- ALA is approved for various conditions including actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, and malignant glioma.
- The foundational research for ALA in PDT and FD was established decades ago, with widespread adoption by numerous research groups following initial discoveries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the applications of ALA-induced PpIX in fluorescence diagnosis and photodynamic therapy.
- To discuss the factors relevant to patient treatment with ALA, including administration routes and PpIX accumulation.
- To highlight the safety profile of ALA-based treatments, including systemic photosensitivity and overtreatment risks.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ALA-induced PpIX for medical applications.
- Analysis of factors influencing ALA penetration and PpIX accumulation in target tissues.
- Examination of clinical outcomes and safety data from ALA-based therapies.
Main Results:
- ALA-induced PpIX is effective for fluorescence diagnosis and guided resection of malignant and non-malignant diseases.
- PpIX accumulation is notably higher in malignant tissues, certain abnormalities, and mucosa.
- Pharmacokinetic studies indicate low systemic photosensitivity and safe excretion pathways for PpIX.
Conclusions:
- ALA-based fluorescence diagnosis and photodynamic therapy are established and effective treatments for a range of conditions.
- Optimized ALA delivery and understanding PpIX accumulation are key for successful therapeutic outcomes.
- ALA treatments offer a favorable safety profile with a low risk of overtreatment and manageable photosensitivity.
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