CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a ground-breaking medical technique which uses lasers to activate light-sensitive chemicals to treat cancer and other diseases without resorting to surgery. For the first time, Chemical Aspects of Photodynamic Therapy introduces, in an accessible way, the physics, chemistry and biology behind the technique. This highly authoritative account of the rapidly developing field of PDT explores its chemical basis, while presenting information in its historical context. Haematoporphyrin derivative is considered in detail, together with the new "second generation" photosensitisers, such as chlorins, bacteriochlorins and phthalocyanines. Photosensitisers which are currently in clinical trial are compared and reference is made to new light sources, biological and clinical findings, and prospects for future developments.