Phototherapy of bladder cancer: dose/effect relationships

Hematoporphyrin derivative photodynamic therapy has very important clinical applicability in the diagnosis and treatment of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, but many aspects of the photodynamic process are yet to be elucidated. This paper investigates the role of dihematoporphyrin ether (DHE) concentration, the duration of light exposure, and the initial size of the tumors in the treatment of a transplantable murine transitional cell tumor system. The best results were noted in tumors less than six mm. in diameter when treated with 15 mg./kg. DHE and exposed to 100 to 180 minutes of visible light. Animals with small initial tumor size combined with higher DHE concentration and longer light exposure time were most likely to show tumor response.