Chemical Aspects of Photodynamic Therapy

Book excerpt: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a ground breaking medical technique which uses lasers to activate light-sensitive chemicals to treat cancer and other diseases without resorting to surgery. For the first time, Chemical Aspects of Photodynamic Therapy introduces in an accessible way the physics, chemistry and biology behind the technique. This highly authoritative account of the account of the rapidly developing field of PDT explores its chemical basis, while presenting information in its historical context. Haematoporphyrin derivative is considered in detail, together with the new 'second generation' photosensitisers , such as chlorins, bacteriochlorins and phthalocyanines. Photosensitisers which are currently in clinical trials are compared and reference is made to new light sources, biological and clinical findings, and prospects for future developments. This book is essential reading for new students and researchers alike studying PDT. It is recommended particularly for photochemists, as well as photobiologists and clinicians. About the author Raymond Bonnett was born in London in 1931. After a spell in the air force, he graduated from Imperial College, going on to Cambridge to research under Alexander Todd and A.W. Johnson and then to Harvard to work with R.B. Woodward. He is now Scotia Research Professor of Chemistry at Queen Mary and Wesfield College, University of London, UK. He has been active in research on photosensitisers for 25 years and has published over 200 papers on the chemistry of porphyrins and related compounds.