TRANSPERINEAL PHOTODYNAMIC ABLATION OF THE CANINE PROSTATE

Purpose: Experiments were undertaken to determine the effects of trans perineal interstitial photodynamic therapy on the canine prostate. Mat erials and Methods: Mongrel dogs were injected intravenously with the photosensitizer tin (II) ethyl etiopurpurin dichloride. Twenty-four ho urs later, 2 optical fibers were implanted in 1 hemisphere of the pros tate, which was then treated with red light (660 nm.). Results: Acutel y, the treated areas showed extensive hemorrhagic necrosis. At 3 and 6 weeks, the treated lobes were largely replaced by fibrous connective tissue. Conclusion: Transperineal photodynamic therapy of the canine p rostate is feasible. Further preclinical investigation is warranted to determine the applicability of this approach to the treatment of loca lized prostate cancer.