Hot Topic Water-filtered infrared-A radiation: a novel technique for localized hyperthermia in combination with bacteriochlorophyll-based photodynamic therapy

A novel application of an infrared-A (IR-A) radiation source equipped with a water-filter in the radiation path is described, which allows for tumour treatment with a simultaneous combination of localized hyperthermia (HT) and bacteriochlorophyll-serine (Bchl-ser) based photodynamic therapy (PDT). Using this system, the IR-A radiation was used to heat tumours to 43 degrees C for 60 min, while at the same time activating the Bchl-ser which was injected i.v. at a dose of 20 mg/kg, 10 min following commencement of HT. The growth of tumours undergoing this combined therapy was compared to that of tumours undergoing HT alone or sham-treated controls. Within the 90 day observation period, 100% of…