Phthalocyanine fluorescence in tumors during PDT

Athymic nude mice with human tumors transplanted to one of the hind legs were given aluminium phthalocyanine disulfonate (AlPcS2) intraperitoneally. Twenty-four hours after the injection the mice were placed with the tumor in the sample position in a fluorescence spectrometer with modulated excitation. Exposure of the tumors to laser light at a fluence rate of 50-200 mW/cm2 led to a rapid transient reduction by up to 50% of the phthalocyanine fluorescence of the tumor. After the laser irradiation the fluence rate of the fluorescence increased almost up to the initial value within a few minutes. This finding should be taken into account when optimal fluence rates and dose fractionation schemes are sought for photodynamic therapy.