PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR INTRACRANIAL NEOPLASMS - LITERATURE-REVIEW AND INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE

Primary malignant glial neoplasms of the central nervous system have a dismal 2-yr prognosis. An innovative approach to these formidable les ions is photodynamic therapy that employs a chemotherapeutic photosens itizing agent in combination with wavelength specific light to produce cytotoxic reactions capable of destroying neoplastic tissues. Animal and initial clinical studies of the application of photodynamic therap y to intracranial neoplasms have been promising. Parameters to optimiz e the efficacy of this treatment are under investigation. A review of the preclinical and clinical studies of photodynamic therapy for intra cranial neoplasms is described.