Singlet Oxygen Detector for Photodynamic Therapy

描述(申请人提供)：光动力疗法(PDT)是一种很有前途的癌症治疗方法。PDT利用光敏剂的亲和力，如血卟啉衍生物(HPD)和其他化合物选择性地保留在恶性肿瘤中。当用光敏剂预处理的肿瘤用可见光照射时，发生光化学反应，肿瘤细胞被摧毁。处于亚稳态的单线态氧分子O2(1Delta)被认为是在光动力疗法中摧毁癌细胞的物种。在PDT治疗中，对体内SINGET氧的实时光学诊断将是一种有价值的剂量计。基于一期计划的成功，物理科学公司计划开发和测试单线态氧的实时光学监测器。我们将使用半导体激光技术和超灵敏光子计数方法。将使用几种光敏剂进行广泛的体外测试。关键的体内测试也将在实验室大鼠的肿瘤模型上进行。这些测试将在马萨诸塞州综合医院与我们的合作者一起进行。成功将带来PDT的医学研究产品。诊断的成功演示可能会导致许多应用。例如，人们可以更详细地研究光诱导的HPD过程。可以筛选新的卟啉化合物来研究O2(1Delta)的产生效率。最后，在光疗过程中实时监测O2(1增量)可能是提高癌细胞破坏效率的宝贵工具。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising cancer treatment. PDT uses the affinity of photosensitizers such as hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) and other compounds to be selectively retained in malignant tumors. When tumors, pretreated with the photosensitizer, are irradiated with visible light, a photochemical reaction occurs and tumor cells are destroyed. Oxygen molecules in their metastable singlet delta state O2 (1delta) are believed to be the species that destroys cancerous cells during PDT. A real-time optical diagnostic for singiet oxygen in-vivo would be a valuable dosimeter during PDT treatment. Based on a successful Phase I program, Physical Sciences Inc. proposes to develop and test a real-time optical monitor for singlet oxygen. We will use diode laser technology and ultra-sensitive photon counting methods. Extensive in-vitro testing will be performed using several photosensitizers. Crucial in-vivo tests will also be performed on tumor models in laboratory rats. These tests will be performed with our collaborators at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Success will lead to a product for medical research in PDT. The successful demonstration of the diagnostic could lead to numerous applications. For example, one could study the photo-induced HPD process in much more detail. New porphyrin compounds could be screened for O2 (1delta) production efficiency. Finally a real time O2 (1delta) monitor during phototherapy could be an invaluable tool for improving the efficiency of cancer cell destruction.