Effects of hematoporphyrin (HPD) and a chemiluminescence system on the growth of transplanted tumors in C3H/HeJ mice.

ABSTRACT

Photoradiation therapy is emerging as a promising technique for combating cancer. Fundamentally, this approach consists of two steps: hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) is used to selectively sensitize cancer cells to visible light; after an appropriate time interval, light is introduced into the tumor via a laser-fiber optic system to trigger the cytotoxic action of HPD. The present investigation was initiated to determine the therapeutic potential of HPD in combination with a chemiluminescent activator in treating mice which had been transplanted with tumors.