Porphyrin photodynamic therapy in an experimental retinoblastoma model

The effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with dihematoporphyrin ether and light irradiation (632.8 nm) was investigated in a fast growing intraocular rat retinoblastoma-like tumor. Complete remission was achieved in 15-25% of the tumors. Ocular side effects were: risk of intraocular hemorrhage and reversible cloudy cornea. The results suggest that PDT may be suitable for treatment of retinoblastoma, alone or in combination with radiotherapy, but further investigations are required before the PDT can be introduced in the clinic.