Experimental photodynamic therapy: 15 years of development

Photodynamic therapy and fluorescence diagnosis of malignant tumors have been actively developed over the last 15 years by the scientists participating in the Moscow Government-funded “Fight against Cancer” program. New effective photosensitizers absorbing in the long-wave spectral region were revealed. Unique agents Alasens-lio, Alasens-gel, Hexasens-lio, Phthalosens-lio, Holosens-lio, and Holosensgel were produced and preclinically studied both in vitro and in vivo. New methods using low-intensity and pulse modes of irradiation and also combined methods of treatment by photodynamic therapy and well-known chemotherapy or laser hyperthermia were developed. Methodological recommendations for experimental studies of agents with photoinduced antitumor properties were published.