Tissue-localizing properties of some photosensitizers studied by in vivo fluorescence imaging

Using fluorescence imaging, the tissue-localizing properties of five photosensitizers were studied in vivo in tumours in 'sandwich' observation chambers and in tumours growing on thigh muscle. The preliminary results indicate that of the three photodynamically active dyes tested (haematoporphyrin derivative, Photofrin II and aluminium phthalocyanine tetrasulphonate), the phthalocyanine possesses the best tumour-localizing properties. This makes it possible to combine tumour fluorescence detection and photodynamic therapy with reduced skin photosensitivity. The two photodynamically inactive dyes tested (uroporphyrin I and acridine red) may be useful for application in fluorescence imaging to localize superficial tumours without inducing skin photosensitivity. In particular, acridine red has remarkable tumour-localizing properties, but is rather toxic.