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Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma using benzoporphyrin derivative
J Marcus1, E Glassberg, L Dimino-Emme
1Division of Dermatology, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90024.
Background:
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves laser light excitation of a tumor-localizing photosensitizer to destroy neoplasms. Benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD) is a new photosensitizer with several favorable characteristics.
Objective:
Studies were designed to: 1) assess the efficacy of BPD-mediated PDT in treating in vivo squamous cell carcinomas (SCC); 2) obtain dosimetry data for BPD and laser parameters; and 3) establish clinical and histologic correlates of BPD-induced tumor regression.
Methods:
Human SCC was implanted into nude mice. One group received BPD followed by laser light of 150 J/cm2 from an argon-pumped dye laser at 690 nm. Three control groups included laser energy alone, BPD alone, and no treatment.
Results:
At day 21 posttreatment only PDT-treated tumors showed a statistically significant decrease in tumor volume and complete cure rate. Clinical resolution (scar) correlated perfectly with histologic resolution (scar).
Conclusion:
Human SCC in a nude mouse model responds to BPD-mediated PDT.

