Radiosensitizing Effect of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Protoporphyrin IX on Carbon-ion Beam Irradiation.

Background/aim: Carbon-ion beam is one of the most advanced radiations used for cancer treatment. However, there are tumors that are difficult to suppress with carbon-ion beam alone, thus necessitating development of drugs that can enhance its therapeutic effect. In this regard, the radiosensitizing effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), that is a metabolic intermediate of ALA, on carbon-ion beam was investigated.