MAGNETICALLY RESPONSIVE PHOTOSENSITIZING REAGENTS FOR POSSIBLE USE INPHOTORADIATION THERAPY

The ability of a magnetically responsive material to function as a car rier for photosensitizing agents for use in photoradiation therapy (PR T) has been examined in vitro. The photosensitizer has been attached t o the magnetically responsive matrix (Dynabeads) by non-specific adsor ption, Intralipid-mediated adsorption and poly-L-lysine mediated adsor ption. In these studies, it has been demonstrated that conditions of a ttachment of photosensitizer to the matrix may be adapted in order to facilitate a diffuse or highly localized photo-toxic effect on target cells in vitro. The authors believe that this system may represent a n ovel approach to targeting photosensitizing agents to specific areas, thereby circumventing some of the problems associated with conventiona l photoradiation therapy (PRT), particularly in hollow organs.