Detection of early lung cancer using low dose Photofrin II.

Fluorescence imaging using hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD) or Photofrin II as a tumor marker has been used for localization of early bronchogenic carcinoma. Wider clinical application of HpD or Photofrin II as a cancer imaging agent has been hampered by the potentially serious and prolonged skin photosensitivity. Using a sensitive fluorescence bronchoscope system with a ratio fluorometer probe, carcinoma in situ was detected in four patients with low dose Photofrin II (0.25 mg/kg) with no apparent skin phototoxicity to 30 J/cm2 visible light on skin photosensitivity test.