Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with TOOKAD® Soluble in localized prostate cancer: standardization of the procedure

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with TOOKAD(®) Soluble is an innovative focal therapy procedure assessed in localized prostate cancer treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This mini-invasive technique destroys targeted tissues using a photosensitizer [TOOKAD(®) Soluble (WST11), STEBA Biotech] activated by laser light in the presence of oxygen. Its application for prostate cancer requires intravenous infusion of TOOKAD(®) Soluble and the illumination of the targeted area by transperineal optical fibers inserted under trans-rectal ultrasound guidance under general anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Based on the experience gained through hundreds of procedures, we describe here the standardized technique of vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with TOOKAD(®) Soluble defined during the phase II and III trials.