Argon laser treatment of solid Ehrlich carcinoma tumours sensitized with some porphyrin compounds

The effect of continuous-wave argon laser radiation on the growth of solid Ehrlich carcinoma was studied in mice. To enhance the tumour sensitivity to laser radiation, compounds of a porphyrin series were given to animals prior to the laser treatment. Out of 14 substances tested, tetraphenylporphyn-sulphonate and its palladium complex had the most pronounced photosensitizing activity comparable with that of haematoporphyrin derivative (HPD). Metallic complexes of tetraphenylporphyn and protoporphyrin were less active. It is concluded that porphyrins are promising sensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT).