57Co-Hematoporphyrin Accumulation by Experimental Tumors

Radiolabelled porphyrins in nuclear medicine

Amongst tumour-specific substances, hematoporphyrin and synthetic porphyrin derivatives have been widely investigated to identify and delineate neoplastic and malignant tissue. Whilst the tumour localization exhibited by selected porphyrin species has been exploited through photodynamic therapy, several examples of porphyrin derivatives with varied peripheral functionality have been radiolabelled with the aim of developing porphyrin-based nuclear imaging and therapeutic agents. In this review, we look at the approaches and advances in the preparation and uses of such radiolabelled agents for imaging and therapy.

Photodynamic therapy for intracranial neoplasms. Literature review and institutional experience

Primary malignant glial neoplasms of the central nervous system have a dismal 2-yr prognosis. An innovative approach to these formidable lesions is photodynamic therapy that employs a chemotherapeutic photosensitizing agent in combination with wavelength specific light to produce cytotoxic reactions capable of destroying neoplastic tissues. Animal and initial clinical studies of the application of photodynamic therapy to intracranial neoplasms have been promising. Parameters to optimize the efficacy of this treatment are under investigation. A review of the preclinical and clinical studies of photodynamic therapy for intracranial neoplasms is described.