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Updated: Jan 17, 2026
Intravital Microscopy of Tumor-associated Vasculature Using Advanced Dorsal Skinfold Window Chambers on Transgenic Fluorescent Mice
Published on: January 19, 2018
Vascular and tissue effects of photodynamic therapy in a murine cutaneous tumor model
Mirian Denise Stringasci1, Michelle Barreto Requena2, Clara Maria Gonçalves de Faria3
1Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
Skin cancer is the most common neoplasm worldwide and presents a significant health concern. Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a therapeutic option for treating malignant and potentially precancerous skin lesions. To improve this technique and design more effective protocols, it is vital to understand the relationship between PDT damage in blood vessels and surrounding tissues. In this study, solid tumors of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were induced in balb/c nude mice. Damages were evaluated using histology and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images to compare PDT protocols using systemic and topical photosensitizer (PS) administration with different irradiances. The results are promising and may support the development of new and more effective PDT protocols for clinical treatment, including those that require multiple treatment sessions.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows promise for skin cancer treatment. This study compared topical and systemic photosensitizers in mice, evaluating damage to blood vessels and tissues to refine PDT protocols for better clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Skin cancer is a prevalent global health issue.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a therapeutic approach for skin malignancies.
- Optimizing PDT requires understanding its effects on vascular and tissue damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between PDT-induced vascular and tissue damage.
- To compare different PDT protocols using systemic versus topical photosensitizers (PS).
- To evaluate the impact of varying irradiances on treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Induction of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) solid tumors in balb/c nude mice.
- Histological analysis to assess tissue damage.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging for non-invasive evaluation of vascular and tissue changes.
Main Results:
- Comparison of PDT protocols with systemic and topical PS administration.
- Evaluation of damage under different irradiance levels.
- Promising data suggesting potential for improved PDT efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The study provides insights into PDT-induced damage mechanisms in SCC.
- Findings may guide the development of enhanced PDT protocols for clinical application.
- Potential for improved treatment strategies, including multi-session therapies.
