In Vivo Evaluation of Photofrin II Radiosentisitivity for the Treatment of Adenocarcinoma Tumors in Balb-C Mice using Brachytherapy

Abstract

To achieve better outcome in cancer treatment, chemical modifiers (radiosensitizers) are used to increase the efficacy of radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of photofrin II radiosensitivity for the treatment of adenocarcinoma tumors in Balb-C mice using the brachytherapy. Spontaneous murine model of breast adenocarsinoma was inoculated in Balb-C mice. The tumor bearing mice were injected with PII photosensitizers at a therapeutic dose (3 mg/kg body weight). 24 hours after the topical injection of the PII, two separate groups of the mice were irradiated with 5 Gy and 10 Gy ionizing radiation. The tumor volume was used as an index to determine the efficiency of photofrin II in comparison with the brachytherapy procedure alone. The results did not indicate any difference between the two groups (with and without the PII) after the brachytherapy. Therefore, contrary to other experiments reported in the literature, it can be concluded that the photofrin II does not act as a radiosensitizer in adenocarsinoma tumors.