Efficacy of combined photodynamic and hyperthermic therapy with a new light source in an in vivo osteosarcoma tumor model

In this study, we investigated the efficacy of Super Lizer((R)) (SL) as a new light source in photodynamic therapy (PDT) with hyperthermia in an in vivo osteosarcoma tumor model. Materials and Methods: Nude mice in three study groups (PDT only, PDT with hyperthermia in low energy, and PDT with hyperthermia in high energy) and three control groups (no treatment, photosensitizer only, and hyperthermia only) were implanted subcutaneously with human osteosarcoma cells and injected with a photosensitizing hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) at a total dose of 10 mg/kg, in all study groups and in control group 2. At 72 h after light treatment, mice were sacrificed. Results: The tumor volume growth rates in the heat-only (1.50) and PDT-only (1.40) groups were significantly lower than the growth rate in the no-treatment group (1.82). Further, the tumor volume growth rate in the PDT with hyperthermia in high-energy group (1.19) was significantly lower than in the heat- or PDT-only groups. Conclusion: Although non-laser PDT, including SL-PDT, may be beneficial only in the treatment of superficial tumors because of limited light penetration, PDT combined with hyperthermia may extend the utility of PDT in antitumor treatment. The use of SL as a new light source in PDT may significantly advance antitumor therapy due to its simplicity, ease, and cost benefit.