PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY OF OVARIAN-TUMORS AND NORMAL-CELLS USING 5,10,15,20-TETRA-(3-CARBOXYMETHOXYPHENYL)-CHLORIN

The photosensitizing ability of the second generation photosensitizer 5,10,15,20-tetra-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-chlorin (m-TCMPC), a derivat ive of m-THPC, was tested on both three-dimensional multicellular sphe roids of varying sizes and on monolayer cultures. These experiments we re carried out on two spheroid-forming cell lines, A2780 (a human ovar ian adenocarcinoma) and CHO (Chinese hamster ovarian cells). For both cell lines, photodynamic therapy (sensitizer plus visible light) treat ments were carried out. The chlorin m-TCMPC was shown to have consider able promise as a photosensitizing agent. Cell kill was achieved for a ll situations tested, i.e. monolayer, 100, 500 and 750 mu m spheroids. In addition no significant dark toxicity was observed. (C) 1998 Elsev ier Science Ireland Ltd.