Method and device for applying hyperthermia to enhance drug perfusion and efficacy of subsequent light therapy
First Claim
1. A method for increasing a perfusion of a drug through tissue at a treatment site where photodynamic therapy is to be administered, comprising the steps of:
- a) positioning a probe having thereon a light emitting means for administering photodynamic therapy so that the probe is disposed adjacent to the treatment site, said probe further including means thereon for providing heat separate from said light emitting means;
b) energizing the means for providing heat to supply heat to the tissue at the treatment site without energizing the light emitting means, said heat raising the temperature of the tissue; and
c) delivering the drug to the tissue at the treatment site, an elevated temperature of the tissue caused by the heat increasing the perfusion of the drug through the tissue at the treatment site to enhance an effect of the drug on the tissue.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for applying beat to a treatment site prior to effecting photodynamic therapy. The perfusion of a drug into abnormal tissue in a tumor (12) is enhanced by heating the treatment site at which the tumor is disposed using a heat source (26) mounted on a fixture (20, 34) separate from a light source (28) on a probe used to effect the photodynamic therapy. Alternatively, the heat source and light source may comprise different types of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in an array on a probe (14) disposed at the treatment site. Also mounted on the fixture is a temperature sensor (30), which produces a signal indicative of the temperature at the treatment site. In response to this signal, a controller (24/36) controls the heat source to prevent vascular damage. In addition to enhancing the perfusion of a photoreactive agent into the treatment site, heating the tissue at the site prior to initiating the PDT greatly enhances the efficacy of this treatment.
194 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method for increasing a perfusion of a drug through tissue at a treatment site where photodynamic therapy is to be administered, comprising the steps of:
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a) positioning a probe having thereon a light emitting means for administering photodynamic therapy so that the probe is disposed adjacent to the treatment site, said probe further including means thereon for providing heat separate from said light emitting means; b) energizing the means for providing heat to supply heat to the tissue at the treatment site without energizing the light emitting means, said heat raising the temperature of the tissue; and c) delivering the drug to the tissue at the treatment site, an elevated temperature of the tissue caused by the heat increasing the perfusion of the drug through the tissue at the treatment site to enhance an effect of the drug on the tissue. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. Apparatus for increasing a perfusion of a drug through tissue at a treatment site where photodynamic therapy is to be administered, comprising:
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a) a probe configured to be placed at the treatment site having means thereon for emitting light; and b) said probe having means for heating the tissue at the treatment site separate from said light emitting means to increase the perfusion of the drug into the tissue, said means for heating being disposed on the probe; and c) a controller connected to said light emitting means which allows the light emitting means to be energized without energizing the heating means. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method for increasing an efficacy of a photodynamic therapy, comprising the steps of:
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a) applying a photoreactive agent to a treatment site, said photoreactive agent having a characteristic absorption waveband; b) energizing a light generating device and directing light generated the toward the treatment site from a probe used to administer the photodynamic therapy, said light having a waveband substantially corresponding to the characteristic absorption waveband of the photoreactive agent; and c) heating the treatment site after terminating the delivery of light from the light generating device using a heat source that is disposed on said probe, thereby raising the temperature of the treatment site to increase the efficacy of the photodynamic therapy. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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Specification