[Photodynamic therapy of bladder cancer. A new option]
J Neuhaus1, S Schastak, M Berndt
1Department für Operative Medizin, Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Liebigstraße 20, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland, jochen.neuhaus@medizin.uni-leipzig.de.
Background:
Bladder cancer (BCa) is the third most common tumor in Germany. Currently, resection therapy for superficial BCa (Ta, CIS) includes photodynamic diagnostics (PDD) using HEXVIX® for improved assessment of tumor spread. Trials using these photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) showed only limited success. Especially low tissue penetration due to short-wave excitation was a limiting factor.
Methods:
This study which was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) examined the feasibility of the novel photosensitizer tetrahydroporphyrin-tetratosylate (THPTS) for PDT in a rat bladder cancer model.
Results:
As THPTS is very effectively excitable at a near infrared wavelength of 760 nm it is within the so-called phototherapeutic window and allows tissue penetration of up to 15 mm. Thus THPTS can also be used for PDT of larger, solid tumors as was previously demonstrated for other tumor entities. Therefore, effective treatment of even muscle-invasive bladder cancer (≥T2) may become an option using THPTS. In this current study the effectiveness and safety of THPTS-PDT was examined in an orthotopic bladder cancer rat model.
Insights
A novel photosensitizer, tetrahydroporphyrin-tetratosylate (THPTS), shows promise for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in bladder cancer treatment. Its near-infrared excitation allows deeper tissue penetration, potentially enabling treatment of advanced tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Photochemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Context:
- Bladder cancer (BCa) is a significant health concern in Germany.
- Current photodynamic diagnostics (PDD) using HEXVIX® aid superficial BCa assessment.
- Limitations in tissue penetration of existing photosensitizers hinder photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy.
Purpose:
- To investigate the feasibility of tetrahydroporphyrin-tetratosylate (THPTS) for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in a rat bladder cancer model.
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of THPTS-mediated PDT.
Summary:
- THPTS is efficiently excited at 760 nm, falling within the phototherapeutic window for enhanced tissue penetration (up to 15 mm).
- This characteristic enables THPTS to be utilized for PDT of larger, solid tumors, including muscle-invasive bladder cancer (≥T2).
- The study assessed THPTS-PDT in an orthotopic rat bladder cancer model.
Impact:
- THPTS-PDT offers a potential new therapeutic option for bladder cancer, including advanced stages.
- Improved tissue penetration of THPTS could overcome limitations of current PDT approaches.
- This research may pave the way for more effective bladder cancer treatments.
