Novel photosensitisers derived from pyropheophorbide-a: uptake by cells and photodynamic efficiency in vitro

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive procedure used for treating a range of neoplastic diseases, which utilises combined action of light and a PDT drug called a photosensitiser. The efficiency of this treatment depends crucially on the properties of the photosensitiser used, namely on its efficient uptake by cells or by the surrounding vasculature, intracellular localisation, minimal dark toxicity and substantial phototoxicity. In...