The use of photodynamic therapy for hemangiosarcomas

Cutaneous hemangiosarcoma frequently occurs in dogs.  Currently, the recommended and most effective treatment requires wide surgical excision of the tumor.  A study examined the efficacy of  PDT with aluminium-chloride-phthalocyanine nanoemulsion (AlClPc-nano) as photosensitizer for treatment. Eight dogs with histopathological diagnosis of naturally occurring cutaneous hemangiosarcoma were used. Animals were given intra and peritumoral injections of AlClPc-nano. After 15 minutes, the masses were LED irradiated at a wavelength of 658-662 nm for 25 minutes. The number of sessions was based on lesion observations, with PDT sessions repeated every 7 days until the mass was no longer macroscopically visible. The number of PDT sessions varied from 2 to 4, depending on the size of the initial mass.

Biopsy of the area was taken when the mass was no longer visible.  Seven of the eight cases demonstrated complete remission of neoplasia. Microscopic analysis of the excisional biopsies showed necrosis and hemorrhage only, with no cancer cells, except in one case. While during treatment, the treatment, inflammation and necrosis were observed in the treated areas, the dogs did not show any alteration in blood parameters. The study concluded that PDT with AlClPc-nano is a safe and effective treatment for cutaneous hemangiosarcoma in dogs.

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Photodynamic therapy for cutaneous hemangiosarcoma in dogs.