Perfluorochemicals and photodynamic therapy in mice.

The effects of pre-treatment with a novel PFC emulsion on PDT-induced tumor necrosis have been studied in mice. Injection of emulsion either 2.5 hr or 24 hr before PDT did not affect the depth of tumour necrosis. However, pre-treatment with the emulsion appeared to protect skin against photodynamic damage although the mechanism(s) and active principle(s) involved were not identified. These results suggest that there may be specific advantages in using emulsified PFCs in conjunction with PDT which may be independent of changes in tumour oxygenation.