# TISSUE LIGHT TRANSPORT DOSAGE IN PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY

> **NIH NIH R01** · HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM · 1992 · $179,495

## Abstract

The overall objective in this proposal is to optimize the PDT (Photodynamic
Therapy) light distribution for application to human prostate cancer using
the canine prostate as a model.  Photodynamic therapy, a new approach to
the treatment and management of prostate cancer as well as other malignant
tumors, refers to the process of the excitation of a photosensitizing drug,
which subsequently mediates the production of chemically destructive
singlet oxygen.

Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is a significant problem.  Traditional
approaches to treatment are not fully satisfactory.  A new and promising
treatment modality, such as PDT, would be a welcome adjunct to the
traditional modes of therapy.  This application proposes a comprehensive
program to develop all major aspects needed to apply PDT to a specific
clinical problem.  No such program now exists for the use of PDT in the
clinical setting.  This will benefit the cancer patient and provide for a
more accurate evaluation of the PDT treatment mode, as well as establishing
the pattern for future systematic approaches to treatment of other tumor
types by PDT.  To accomplish this goal we intend to:  (A) Characterize and
compare the optical properties of normal and tumor prostate tissues at
wavelengths of 630 nm - 800 nm using excised Canine and Human tissue, and
in-vivo Canine tissue.  (B) Assess whether a predictable and controlled
volume of necrosis can be produced, using single fiber geometries, in
normal and tumor prostate tissue by limited optical and photosensitizer
measurements in individual subjects.  (C) Establish threshold PDT
irradiation parameters to limit damage to adjacent normal tissue during
treatment.  (D) Develop strategies for the extension of single fiber
techniques to multiple fiber irradiation in irregular target tissue
geometries.  (E) Apply these methods to a veterinary trial of PDT in
spontaneous dog prostate cancer.  This research promises to bring a new
therapeutic tool to bear on a form of cancer which cannot always be
successfully treated by traditional means.  A successful conclusion to this
study will set the stage for an improved methodology for treatment of human
prostate carcinoma.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3171500
- **Project number:** 2R01CA033727-07A1
- **Recipient organization:** HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM
- **SAM.gov UEI:** R9NXPE2GTCN9
- **Principal Investigator:** FRED W HETZEL
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1992
- **Award amount:** $179,495
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1984-01-01 → 1995-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3171500

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3171500, TISSUE LIGHT TRANSPORT DOSAGE IN PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (2R01CA033727-07A1). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3171500. Licensed CC0.

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