Premium
Transdermal photodynamic therapy—a treatment option for rheumatic destruction of small joints?
Author(s) -
Funke Benjamin,
Jungel Astrid,
Schastak Stanislaw,
Wiedemeyer Katharina,
Emmrich Frank,
Sack Ulrich
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.20391
Subject(s) - photodynamic therapy , medicine , in vivo , transdermal , synovectomy , rheumatoid arthritis , arthritis , photosensitizer , dermatology , surgery , pathology , pharmacology , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , organic chemistry , biology
Background and Objective Synovectomy of small joints is a therapeutic approach in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We examined the feasibility of transdermal photodynamic therapy (tPDT) in a fibroblast‐induced model of joint destruction using the novel photosensitizer (PS) tetrahydroporphyrin‐tetratosylat that shows strong absorption at the near infra‐red spectral region. Materials and Methods The functionality of the PDT system was assessed in vitro. Following arthritis induction and PS application, tPDT was applied in vivo. Therapy results were evaluated by measuring joint swelling, serum amyloid A (SAA) and histologically. Results We were able to present a fully functional PDT in vitro. The in vivo therapy modalities were well tolerated by mice. We could demonstrate photodynamic ablation of subcutaneously located tissue (skeletal muscle) without skin damage. Conclusion This study provides the basis for transdermal accessibility of tissue through a photodynamic process which may serve as a minimally invasive synovectomy strategy. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:866–874, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.