Evaluation of photodynamic therapy near functional brain tissue in patients with recurrent brain tumors.

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the selective retention of a photosensitizer that upon activation with light mediates tumor cell destruction via the production of singlet oxygen. This study evaluates the toxicity of PDT and a new light-delivery device based on light-emitting diode (LED) technology in selected patients with brain tumors.

Methods: Twenty patients with recurrent malignant brain tumors received 22 treatments with PDT.