Photodynamic therapy of ovarian cancer peritoneal metastasis with hexaminolevulinate: a toxicity study.

Context: While photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis, its use is often limited because of the toxicity of photosensitizers. In this study, safety of PDT with hexaminoevulinate (HAL), a second generation photosensitizer, is assessed.

Methods: PDT of the peritoneal cavity was performed in a rat model of peritoneal carcinomatosis.

New design of textile light diffusers for photodynamic therapy.

A homogeneous and reproducible fluence delivery rate during clinical photodynamic therapy (PDT) plays a determinant role in preventing under- or overtreatment. PDT applied in dermatology has been carried out with a wide variety of light sources delivering a broad range of more or less adapted light doses. Due to the complexities of the human anatomy, these light sources do not in fact deliver a uniform light distribution to the skin.

Development of a new illumination procedure for photodynamic therapy of the abdominal cavity.

A homogeneous illumination of intra-abdominal organs is essential for successful photodynamic therapy of the abdominal cavity. Considering the current lack of outstanding light-delivery systems, a new illumination procedure was assessed. A rat model of peritoneal carcinomatosis was used.

Evaluation of BCECF fluorescence ratio imaging to properly measure gastric intramucosal pH variations in vivo.

Our purpose is to evaluate intramucosal gastric pH video imaging by 2('),7(')-bis(carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) fluorescence ratio techniques. We use a video endoscopic imaging system and BCECF as the pH fluorescent probe. Systemic in vivo pH variations are studied in 10 pigs: five in the control group and five with respiratory acidosis induced through rebreathing.

Dynamics of temperature dependent modifications of blood in the near-infrared.

Background And Objectives: Laser irradiation induces blood coagulation by heating of blood components. It is a complex phenomenon which encompasses a variety of processes, such as cell shape modification, cell membrane rupture, protein denaturation, aggregation, and finally blood gelation. An in vitro study was performed to investigate heating temperatures leading to transformation of blood and to have a better understanding of the dynamics of temperature dependent modifications of blood in the near-infrared.