| Methods and devices for epithelial protection during photodynamic therapy -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Methods and devices for epithelial protection during photodynamic therapyRelated Patent Categories: Surgery: Light, Thermal, And Electrical Application, Light, Thermal, And Electrical Application, Light ApplicationMethods and devices for epithelial protection during photodynamic therapy description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070173913, Methods and devices for epithelial protection during photodynamic therapy. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of a U.S. patent application bearing Ser. No. 10/709,121, filed on Apr. 14, 2004, entitled "Methods and Devices for Epithelial Protection During Photodynamic Therapy, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/462,937, filed on Apr. 15, 2003, entitled "Methods for Epidermal Protection During Photodynamic Therapy." The entirety of both applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to methods and devices for protecting epithelial tissue during photodynamic therapy, and in particular to methods and devices for reducing phototoxicity during photodynamic therapy. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which can be used for many purposes including hair removal and acne treatment, involves the combination of a light-absorbing photosensitizing agent with light of the appropriate wavelength. A pre-photosensitizer, such as aminolevulinic acid (ALA, ALA-ester), which converts into a photosensitizing agent when it metabolizes, can also be used. The photosensitizing agent or pre-photosensitizing agent is topically or systemically applied to a target tissue where it accumulates. Upon irradiation with a visible light of an activating wavelength, the photosensitizing agent causes the release of reactive oxygen species in cells containing the photosensitizing agent, thereby promoting cell death. [0004] While PDT induced using a photosensitizing agent or pre-photosensitizing agent has been somewhat successful, it can be difficult to control the treatment area. In particular, the photosensitizing agent or pre-photosensitizing agent can accumulate in healthy tissues as well as the target tissue. In hair removal, for example, the photosensitizing agent or pre-photosensitizing agent is applied to the skin topically and is absorbed by both the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. As a result, application of light can cause phototoxicity to the epidermis, which can lead to long-lasting hyperpigmentation or epidermal necrosis. [0005] Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods and devices for photodynamic therapy that reduce or eliminate damage to the epithelial tissue while allowing treatment of underlying targeted tissue. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The present invention generally provides methods and devices for controlling the application of PDT induced using a photosensitizing agent or pre-photosensitizing agent, and in particular for preventing damage to superficial tissue layers, such as the epidermis, during PDT. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of administering an agent to tissue surrounding a targeted treatment site such that a photosensitizing agent accumulates in the tissue. The agent can be a photosensitizing agent, or it can be a pre-photosensitizing agent which metabolizes into a photosensitizing agent as it accumulates in tissue. The method further includes the steps of irradiating the targeted treatment site to activate the in vivo photosensitizing agent to cause phototoxicity, while inhibiting phototoxicity in non-targeted tissue such that the non-targeted tissue is substantially unaffected. The present invention also provides a device that is effective to decrease local circulation and delivery of oxygenated blood and/or to flush the tissue surface with nitrogen. [0007] While various techniques can be used to inhibit activation of the photosensitizing agent, e.g., to inhibit phototoxicity, in the non-targeted tissue, in an exemplary embodiment phototoxicity is inhibited by reducing the oxygen-content in the non-targeted tissue surrounding the targeted treatment site during the step of irradiating the treatment site. The oxygen-content can be reduced, for example, by applying an external vacuum to the non-targeted tissue, by flushing the non-targeted tissue with nitrogen gas, and/or by decreasing local circulation and delivery of oxygenated blood to the non-targeted tissue. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0009] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a device for depriving epidermal tissue of oxygen in accordance with the present invention; [0010] FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the device shown in FIG. 1A; [0011] FIG. 2A is a photograph of human skin showing the effect of reduced oxygen on the formation of PpIX in human skin treated with a 2% solution of ALA; and [0012] FIG. 2B is another photograph of human skin showing the effect of reduced oxygen on the formation of PpIX in human skin treated with a 2% solution of ALA. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0013] During PDT, a photosensitizing agent or a pre-photosensitizing agent, such as ALA, is administered to the skin surface, e.g., the epidermal tissue, above a targeted treatment site. This allows the photosensitizing agent or pre-photosensitizing agent to be absorbed through the tissue and into tissue at the targeted treatment site, where the agent accumulates in tissue at the targeted treatment site. Where a pre-photosensitizing agent is used, such as ALA, the agent metabolizes into a photosensitizing agent, e.g., a photoactive species, such as the protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), as it accumulates in the tissue. Upon the application of light having an appropriate wavelength, the photosensitizing agent absorbs the light and becomes phototoxic, releasing oxygen to destroy the cells. While ALA-induced PDT has proven effective, the photosensitizing agent or metabolized pre-photosensitizing agent can accumulate in both epithelial tissue and underlying targeted tissue, thereby potentially causing damage to non-targeted, healthy epithelial tissue. The present invention therefore provides methods and devices for preventing or reducing the likelihood of damage to epithelial tissue, such as the epidermis, during PDT, and in particular the present invention provides method and devices for protecting epithelial tissue during PDT in which phototoxicity of the photosensitizing agent is inhibited in non-targeted epithelial tissue during the application of light to a targeted treatment site. [0014] The methods and devices of the present invention can be used with a variety of photosensitizing agents and pre-photosensitizing agents, but in an exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices of the present invention are used with ALA-induced PDT, which is described in more detail in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0099094A1 entitled "Topical Aminolevulinic Acid-Photodynamic Therapy For The Treatment Of Acne Vulgaris." As disclosed therein, ALA can be used in a variety of forms, including in a pharmacologically equivalent form, such as an amide or ester, or as a salt, such as hydrochloride salt, and it can be topically applied to the skin surface surrounding a targeted treatment site, which underlies the epidermal tissue at the skin surface, or it can be administered using other techniques known in the art. A light source, preferably red visible light having a wavelength in the range of about 320 nm to 700 nm, and more preferably about 25 nm to 200 nm, is applied to the targeted treatment site at a dosage of energy in the range of about 1 J/cm.sup.2 to 200 J/cm.sup.2, and more preferably about 25 J/cm.sup.2 to 200 J/cm.sup.2. Other suitable photosensitizing agents or pre-photosensitizing agents include, for example, porphyrins, chlorines, porphycenes, purpurins, phthalocyanines, naphthalocyanines, bacteriochlorins, benzophenothiazines, either as free agents or in combination with specific delivery agents such as in liposomes or as photosensitizer conjugates with targeting molecules, such as peptides, receptor ligands or antibodies. [0015] Conversion of the in vivo photosensitizing agent can be inhibited using a variety of techniques, but in an exemplary embodiment the oxygen-content in epithelial tissue, such as epidermal tissue, surrounding a targeted treatment site is reduced. PDT induced using a photosensitizing agent or a pre-photosensitizing agent, such as ALA, requires oxygen for the formation of the reactive oxygen species that destroy the cells when the tissue is irradiated. Thus, the epidermis can be protected during irradiation by reducing the amount of oxygen available to the skin cells in the epidermis. This can be achieved by, for example, spatially depleting the oxygen at the skin surface by flushing the area with nitrogen gas, and/or by decreasing local circulation and delivery of oxygenated blood. [0016] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate one embodiment of a device 10 that can be used to deprive epidermal tissue of oxygen during PDT, thereby protecting the epidermal tissue while allowing PDT of the underlying dermal tissue. In general, the device 10 is adapted to be placed on a tissue surface to seal a portion of the tissue from the external environment. A chamber 12 within the device 10 can be coupled to a vacuum 14 to decrease local circulation and delivery of oxygenated blood, and/or the chamber 12 can be flushed with nitrogen to deprive the tissue surface of oxygen, thereby preventing phototoxicity to the epidermal tissue surface. The device 10 is preferably used simultaneously with the application of light, and thus at least a portion of the device 10 is preferably formed from a material that is transparent to radiating light to allow the tissue underlying the device 10 to be treated while the tissue surface is deprived of oxygen. [0017] While the device 10 can have any shape, size, and configuration depending on the intended use, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a device 10 in the form of a substantially circular housing defining a chamber 12 formed therein. A bottom portion 10b (FIG. 1B) of the housing 10 is adapted to be positioned on a skin surface, e.g., the epidermal tissue surface 18 as shown in FIG. 1A, such that the skin surface 18 is in communication with the chamber 12 and is sealed from the surrounding environment. While the bottom portion 10b can be open, a porous material, such as a wire mesh 16 as shown, preferably extends there across. When at least a partial vacuum is created within the chamber 12, the wire mesh 16 allows the skin to deform there around (shown in FIG. 1A) thereby reducing blood flow to the tissue. The housing 10 can also include a seal (not shown), such as an o-ring, formed on or disposed around a perimeter of the bottom portion 10b to facilitate a secure seal between the housing 10 and the tissue surface. [0018] In use, the housing 10 is positioned on the tissue surface above a targeted treatment site either after or simultaneously with the topical application of a photosensitizing agent. A vacuum or partial vacuum can then be applied to the chamber 12 and/or the chamber 12 can be flushed with nitrogen. The vacuum may be applied by a pump or manually, for example, using a syringe. As a result, the device is further sealed to the tissue by suction and blood flow near the tissue surface is reduced and the tissue is deprived of oxygen. Light exposure for photodynamic therapy is then administered. The photosensitizing agent located in the epidermal tissue is thereby prevented from becoming phototoxic when the tissue is irradiated with light. Continue reading about Methods and devices for epithelial protection during photodynamic therapy... Full patent description for Methods and devices for epithelial protection during photodynamic therapy Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Methods and devices for epithelial protection during photodynamic therapy patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Methods and devices for epithelial protection during photodynamic therapy or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Phototherapy with specific infrared light for treating skin disorders Next Patent Application: Self-locking electrode assembly usable with an implantable medical device Industry Class: Surgery: light, thermal, and electrical application ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Methods and devices for epithelial protection during photodynamic therapy patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.13604 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Novartis , Pfizer , Philips , Polaroid , Procter & Gamble , 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
