The effect of nitroimidazole and photochemotherapy on solid Ehrlich carcinomas

The photodynamic effect of activated hematoporphyrin in combination with the radiosensitizer nitroimidazole was investigated. The tumor model used was the solid Ehrlich carcinoma, He-Ne laser was chosen as the light source. A significant difference between the tumor masses of control animals and the tumor masses of treated animals was recorded. It is possible that the photodynamic processes are based on Type I photooxidation. Especially in the treatment of hypoxic areas of tumors the additional administration of nitroimidazole may be important.