Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising new treatment for cancer that has
been recently accepted in the clinic. PDT involves the localization of a l
ight-sensitive drug (photosensitizer) in the target tissue prior to illumin
ation using an appropriate wavelength. Cytotoxic agents generated upon illu
mination trigger a cascade of biochemical responses that inactivate cancer
cells either directly or through the induction of vascular stasis. These tr
eatments are better tolerated as they destroy diseased tissue while leaving
normal tissue intact. The haematoporphyrin derivative, Photofrin(R), has b
een approved in a number of European and Asian countries, as well as in Nor
th America. To enhance the potential of PDT and explore its application for
other conditions, second-generation photosensitizers are being rigorously
investigated.