Journal of neuro-oncology
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Mar 2002
ALA- and ALA-ester-mediated photodynamic therapy of human glioma spheroids.
The effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in human glioma spheroids incubated in 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), or ALA esters, are investigated. Spheroid survival and growth are monitored following PDT at representative drug concentrations, light doses, and dose rates. ⋯ The enhanced efficiency of the esters is likely due to their increased membrane penetrance. Potential clinical advantages of using lipophilic esters in PDT of gliomas are discussed.