Interstitial PDT using diffuser fiber-investigation in phantom and in vivo models

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Oncology
• Photomedicine

Background:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a local tumor treatment modality.
• Limited light penetration in tissues restricts PDT efficacy for invasive and solid tumors.
• Interstitial PDT, involving fiber insertion, offers a solution for deeper tumor treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the homogeneity of diffuser optical fiber emission.
• To assess the impact of diffuser emission uniformity on interstitial PDT outcomes.
• To highlight the importance of understanding light irradiation profiles in phototherapy.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of diffuser optical fiber homogeneity.
• In vitro or in vivo studies evaluating necrosis patterns after interstitial PDT.
• Analysis of light fluence distribution from the diffuser.

Main Results:

• Diffuser optical fiber emission was found to be inhomogeneous.
• Interstitial PDT using inhomogeneous diffusers resulted in asymmetrical tumor necrosis.
• The observed asymmetry has significant implications for treatment planning.

Conclusions:

• Diffuser emission homogeneity is critical for successful interstitial PDT.
• Inhomogeneous light delivery can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes.
• Accurate knowledge of irradiation profiles is essential for effective phototherapy.