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Photodynamic therapy with chlorin E6

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Photodynamic therapy with chlorin E6

Destroying tumor cells with light

The principle of photodynamic therapy is based on the accumulation of certain substances, so-called photosensitizers, in tumor tissue and the excitation of these substances with light of a certain wavelength (665nm) to phototoxic processes. This allows tumor cells to be destroyed in a targeted manner.

Chlorin e6 from Synverdis GmbH (Burg-Apotheke) is a high-purity chlorophyll derivative extracted from natural raw materials and manufactured under GMP conditions. Extensive preclinical and clinical studies have investigated the potential of the compound, which shows exceptionally high accumulation in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue. This enables extremely efficient destruction of tumor tissue while sparing healthy tissue. Side effects attributable to chlorin were not observed.

A phase IIb study was conducted to evaluate efficacy and safety in the treatment of bronchial carcinoma. In addition to direct, superficial irradiation, it is also possible to treat interstitial solid tumors, e.g. breast carcinomas or prostate carcinomas. Other indications include bladder tumors, esophageal carcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, and tumors of the head and neck. There is also a possibility of application in the field of treatment of infectious diseases.

References
  1. Juzeniene A. Chlorin e6-based photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy and photodiagnosis. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2009 Jun;6(2):94-6. doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2009.06.001. Epub 2009 Jul 2.