Photodynamic therapy for endometrial ablation: a study of treatment parameters and effects

Maya R. Jerath, P. J. Hoopes, Paul D. Manganiello

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The use of PDT for endometrial ablation has been the focus of much recent research. However, the mechanism of action, optimal treatment parameters, and long-term clinical effect are still poorly understood. This study was undertaken to further the understanding of the endometrial response to this drug/light-induced damage.Postpartum rat (Charles River) uterine horns were used as the animal model for fluorescence and treatment studies. Aminolevulinic acid was administered topically (intrauterine), and following a 0.5- to 3-hour drug incubation time, the endometrium was either removed and processed for fluorescence microscopy to assess drug localization or exposed to 150-200 J/cm2 of 630-nm laser light via a 1-cm cylindrical diffusing tip. The light-treated uterine horns were removed and histologically examine 7 to 10 days following treatment. The extent and character of uterine and endometrial damage (gross and histological analysis) were recorded for the varying light doses and incubation times. With topical (intrauterine) application of photosensitizer, incubation time and penetration ability of drug were found to be crucial factors. The use of a drug penetration enhancing vehicle produced greater tissue effects (endometrial ablation). These preliminary studies also showed that tissue effect is drug and light dose related and that the most profound effects may be vascular mediated. The study provided preliminary information for the use of PDT in gynecological applications such as endometrial ablation and female sterilization through Fallopian tube occlusion.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
PublisherSociety of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
Pages159-170
Number of pages12
Volume2392
ISBN (Print)0819417394, 9780819417398
DOIs
StatePublished - 1995
EventOptical Methods for Tumor Treatment and Detection: Mechanisms and Techniques in Photodynamic Therapy IV - San Jose, CA, USA
Duration: Feb 4 1995Feb 5 1995

Conference

ConferenceOptical Methods for Tumor Treatment and Detection: Mechanisms and Techniques in Photodynamic Therapy IV
CitySan Jose, CA, USA
Period02/4/9502/5/95

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