Chromophore-enhanced in vivo tumor cell destruction using an 808-nm diode laser

Rat mammary tumors were treated using an 808-nm diode laser in a power range of 3-15 W. Photothermolysis was selectively enhanced by the chromophore indocyanine green (ICG), which has an absorption peak corresponding to the laser wavelength. ICG, injected into neoplastic tissues 24 h before laser exposure, was retained in sufficient quantity to produce a strong photothermal reaction. With appropriate laser power and adequate irradiation duration, laser energy could inflict severe photothermal damage to the entire targeted tumor tissue while leaving the skin and other interdicted tissue undamaged. Higher laser powers (10-15 W) produced more surface damage that limited light transmission and as a result gave rise to reduced regions of thermal destruction. Post-treatment observation revealed the survival of numerous tumor cells. This finding questions the long term efficacy of the photothermal effect of a single treatment using the combination of the ICG and the diode laser, particularly in the absence of other modalities.