Use of Photoactivation by Argon Laser in Treatment of Brain Tumors (Part I)

Basic Study

Abstract

An attempt was made to evaluate the biological effect on the central nervous system (CNS) and the in vivo and in vitro antitumor effect of argon laser photoirradiation with or without fluorescein pretreatment.
Injury to the CNS was dose-dependently evaluated by exposing mouse brains to an activating argon laser of 514.5 nm wave length, and the photoactivating effect was evaluated by exposing spinal cords of cats after administration of fluorescein. Retardation or temporary arrest in growth of mouse fibrosarcoma (Fsa II) implanted subcutaneously in C₃H mice, was accomplished by exposing the tumor to an activating argon laser of 514.5 nm wave length after administration of fluorescein. Photoirradiation by argon laser proved to be dose-dependently lethal to cultured glioma cells. This preliminary study suggests a new method of treatment of human gliomas. At the same time, an extensive thermal effect to the CNS was observed.