The present invention is drawn to methods and compounds for photodynamic therapy
(PDT) of a target tissue or compositions in a mammalian subject, using a light
source that preferably transmits light to a treatment site transcutaneously. The
method provides for administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount
of a targeted substance, which is either a targeted photosensitizing agent, or
a photosensitizing agent delivery system, or a targeted prodrug. This targeted
substance preferably selectively binds to the target tissue. Light at a wavelength
or waveband corresponding to that which is absorbed by the targeted substance is
then administered. The light intensity is relatively low, but a high total fluence
is employed to ensure the activation of the targeted photosensitizing agent or
targeted prodrug product. Transcutaneous PDT is useful in the treatment of specifically
selected target tissues, such as vascular endothelial tissue, the abnormal vascular
walls of tumors, solid tumors of the head and neck, tumors of the gastrointestinal
tract, tumors of the liver, tumors of the breast, tumors of the prostate, tumors
of the lung, nonsolid tumors, malignant cells of the hematopoietic and lymphoid
tissue and other lesions in the vascular system or bone marrow, and tissue or cells
related to autoimmune and inflammatory disease.
