FLUORESCENCE DIAGNOSTICS OF CANCER USING δ-AMINO LEVULINIC ACID

摘要

A procedure for the detection of malignant tumours using the agent δ-amino levulinic acid (hydrochloride) as a tumour marker is described. The tissue is exposed to the agent either by intravenous injection or by application of an unguent over superficial tumours. After a suitable time delay fluorescence is induced in the tissue using an excitation source, e.g. a laser. Cancer then emerges with a strong and specific fluorescence peak at 635 nm. By dividing this red peak intensity by the intensity of the blue-green autofluorescence from the tissue an improved demarcation is obtained and also immunity to variations in many experimental parameters.