Polymeric porphyrins as new photocatalysts in photodynamic therapy of cancer

Abstract

Abstract Photodynamic therapy and diagnosis (PDT) is described as an efficient clinical method for the treatment of cancer patients using hematoporphyrin derivative (Hpd) as sensitizer. Newly developed metal‐containing porphyrin type compounds are potential agents for PDT. A concept for covalently bound polymeric metal‐containing or metal‐free sensitizers is discussed. First results of these polymeric sensitizers are reported from in vivo experiments. High tumor accumulation up to 30% was observed. Results of fluorescence diagnosis are shown.