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Current Pharmaceutical Design

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1381-6128
ISSN (Online): 1873-4286

Porphyrins as Radiosensitizing Agents for Solid Neoplasms

Author(s): M. Schaffer, B. Ertl-Wagner, P. M. Schaffer, U. Kulka, A. Hofstetter, E. Duhmke and G. Jori

Volume 9, Issue 25, 2003

Page: [2024 - 2035] Pages: 12

DOI: 10.2174/1381612033454153

Price: $65

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Abstract

The biological effects of radiation affect both neoplastic and normal tissues. The nature and extent of such effects, however, depend on selected biological parameters (e.g., oxygen supply, cell cycle) and can be modified by chemical agents such as radiosensitizers, radioprotectors and chemotherapeutic agents. A precise control of the mode of action of the radiation is important in order to achieve the maximum effect on tumor tissue, while minimizing the effect on normal tissues. Most of the known and routinely used radiosensitizers are neither selective nor tumor specific. This article reviews a new selective and specific modality that increases the sensitivity of solid tumor tissue, especially of radio resistant, hypoxic tumor cells, to radiation. This modality is currently under early clinical evaluation and encompasses the application of Photofrin II, which is already used as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy (PDT) at predetermined times prior to irradiation.

Keywords: Porphyrins, encompasses, photosensitizer, hypoxic, Photofrin


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