Utilization of 5-aminolevulinic acid in the photodynamic therapy of tumors: biochemical and photobiological aspects

Roy H. Pottier; James C. Kennedy

doi:10.1117/12.168693

1 March 1994 Utilization of 5-aminolevulinic acid in the photodynamic therapy of tumors: biochemical and photobiological aspects

Roy H. Pottier, James C. Kennedy

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2078, Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.168693
Event: Europto Biomedical Optics '93, 1993, Budapest, Hungary

Abstract

Inherent in both plants and animals is the natural porphyrin, Protoporphyrin IX (Pp). Although Pp does not appear to have any intrinsic biological activity, it is a potent natural photosensitizer. When activated with ultraviolet or visible light, this photosensitizer can induce significant photodynamic effects on tissues, cells, subcellular elements, and macromolecules via the production of singlet oxygen. The biosynthesis of endogenous Pp is under strict enzymatic control. It is possible to bypass a rate controlling step and induce large, transient concentrations of Pp by the addition of exogenous 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). ALA may be administered systemically or topically. Much larger amounts of Pp are produced in certain types of tumor tissue than in adjacent normal tissue. Topically applied ALA can be used to treat a variety of skin lesions, including actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinomas and psoriasis.

Citation Download Citation

Roy H. Pottier and James C. Kennedy "Utilization of 5-aminolevulinic acid in the photodynamic therapy of tumors: biochemical and photobiological aspects", Proc. SPIE 2078, Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer, (1 March 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.168693

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available