[Hematoporphyrin--a drug for local photodynamic therapy of endoscopically visible neoplasms]

Since the beginning of this century, the photodynamic effect of porphyrins in direction to a cytotoxic damage is well known. During the last decade hematoporphyrin, especially hematoporphyrin derivative, has been used in numerous clinical therapeutic studies for its good photosensibilizing properties. HPD builds up a concentration gradient between normal and tumor tissue from 1:10 and will be activated by light of a wave length of 405 nm. Under such condition HPD will produce a selective cytotoxic effect against tumor cells. In the international scale tumor phototherapy already turned over from an experimental phase into a clinical one. Newest reports of clinical experiences support a broader use of the method in special disciplines.