Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a new approach to treatment of a variety of solid malignant tumors in man. Hematoporphyrin derivative (Hpd) in its purified form, dihematoporphyrin ether (DHE), is injected systemically into patients causing uptake and retention in most malignant tumors for several days (3-5). Most normal tissues clear the drug within a few days (1-2). Exceptions are skin, liver, kidney, and spleen, which retain the drug largely in cells of the reticuloendothelial system.

© 1984 Optical Society of America