Clinically relevant technology in photodynamic therapy and photodynamic diagnosis

摘要

Abstract: This presentation does not attempt to review the vast field of technology adapted for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The goal, which is rather more modest although not less ambitious, is to try to highlight different aspects of clinically relevant technological applications. We hope in this attempt to bridge the gap separating basic scientists, engineers, various high tech manufacturers, and clinicians and thus bring the benefits of photodynamic therapy closer to the patients. Arbitrarily then, we concentrate on three major aspects: (1) Energy sources and appropriate therapeutic wavelengths. (2) Delivery devices which include superficial, intercavitary, and intravascular applicators. (3) Dosimetry and more specifically the dosimetry of energy delivered, absorbed, and distributed in the tissues; the dosimetry of the photosensitizers in vivo as well as the relationship between the dosimetry of the delivered stimulating energy and the rate of photobleaching. We also briefly discuss the diagnostic fluorescence. !13