Co-Authors:
Ben-Hur, E., Nuclear Research Cent-Negev, Israel
Miller, H., Nuclear Research Cent-Negev, Israel
Miller, B., Nuclear Research Cent-Negev, Israel
Rosenthal, I., Nuclear Research Cent-Negev, Israel
Abstract:
In photodynamic therapy, a photosensitizing dye restrictively localized to certain sites in the biological milieu, is activated by visible light to selectively destroy the stained structure. Although primarily investigated for necroting malignant tumors, this approach also suggests potential in treating other pathological conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and atherosclerosis. Until recently, hematoporphyring derivative was practically the only dye investigated for photodynamic therapy. The use of phthalocyanine dyes is being explored as a superior alternative photosensitizer for treatment of these diseases.