The term "photoimmunotherapy" describes an anti-
cancer treatment that combines the phototoxic effects of chemical such as
hematoporphyrin and the target-seeking ability of
antibodies.
Hematoporphyrin was chemically coupled to
monoclonal antibodies directed to the DBA/2J
myosarcoma M-1. Administration of anti-M-1-hematoporphyrin conjugates i.v. to M-1
tumor-bearing animals followed by exposure to incandescent light resulted in suppression of M-1 growth. The time interval between injection and light exposure was an important parameter in terms of
tumor suppression.
Tumor-bearing animals maintained in the dark for 96 to 196 hr after
hematoporphyrin-antibody injection followed by 4-hr light exposure demonstrated significantly lower
tumor incidence and longer latency periods, in comparison to conjugate-treated animals instantly exposed to light. The growth inhibiting properties of the conjugate appeared to be M-1-specific; it had no effect on the growth of a C57BL/6J
lymphoma EL4. In addition, conjugates made with a nonspecific
monoclonal antibody did not have any specific anti-
tumor effect on M-1 growth. Treatment with equivalent doses of
hematoporphyrin or antibody had no significant inhibiting effect on
tumor growth. Clearly, the homing ability of the specific
monoclonal antibody-
hematoporphyrin conjugate was essential for effective
drug delivery and inhibition of
tumor growth.