Development of a protocol for whole-lung in vivo lung perfusion-assisted photodynamic therapy using a porcine model

Standard treatments for lung metastases remain a clinical challenge. In vivo lung perfusion technique provides flexibility to overcome the limitations of PDT by replacing the blood with acellular perfusate, allowing greater light penetration. The feasibility and safety of a whole-lung perfusion-assisted PDT protocol was demonstrated using 5-ALA and Chlorin e6. Light activation was done either with LEDs placed into thoracic cavity delivering small light dose (6-15 J/cm2) or ML6600 laser for testing significantly higher light doses (240-290 J/cm2). Predicted and measured fluence rates showed strong reliability. Chlorin e6 demonstrated the greatest therapeutic potential, with a minimal uptake in healthy lung tissues.