Photodynamic therapy of brain tumors.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of a variety of brain tumors, particularly gliomas, has been extensively investigated in laboratory studies and has been studied in clinical trials. The main advantage of PDT lies in its ability to select out tumor cells that are infiltrating brain parenchyma and that are responsible for local tumor recurrence, the major therapeutic dilemma in the treatment of gliomas. PDT has been shown to be safe clinically but adequate trials have yet to be undertaken to prove its efficacy and much work remains to be done to optimize treatment. The laboratory studies and clinical trials involving PDT in the treatment of cerebral tumors, particularly the commonest brain tumors, gliomas, are discussed.