BENIGN PROSTATE HYPERPLASIA TREATMENT USING PHOTOSENSITIZER AND LASER ABLATION

摘要

A method and apparatus are disclosed to employ a combination of laser ablation/coagulation and photosensitizers (PS) to treat benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). According to this method a photosensitizer is administered locally to the prostate zone, which is to be treated, using a suitable device to ensure an adequately uniform distribution of the photosensitizer in the hyperplasic prostate tissue to be treated. In one embodiment enlarged prostate tissue is laser irradiated using an optical fiber inserted through an endoscope to ablate and coagulate tissue nearby and to activate the photosensitizer to destroy tissue deeper into the prostate. In another embodiment a suitable laser wavelength is used to photoactivate the photosensitizer in the presensitized prostate tissue to enhance ablation, photo-coagulation and destruction of diseased prostate tissues. Additional wavelengths may be employed that would target different areas of the prostate. Generally laser ablation is done in pulsed or continuous irradiations where the photosensitizer can be activated before, during, or after this radiation. Multiple wavelength laser sources can also be used to achieve laser ablation, photo-coagulation and absorption by the photosensitizer. The photosensitizer used in the invention may be formulated in a liposomal or other drug carrier system to achieve an enhanced effect of the drug.