BACKGROUND

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and accounts for about ³/₄ of all skin tumors. It has several forms that can be similar to various dermatological diseases. One of the for neoplasms imaging methods is fluorescence analysis based on the selective accumulation of exogenous and endogenous porphyrins in cancer and other proliferating cells. However, this method has a number of drawbacks: phototoxicity, reduced sensitivity due to background fluorescence (in the region of 600–750 nm). The most promising may be the near-infrared range (900–1100 nm), which has sufficient photon penetration depth into the tissue and minimal autofluorescence.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a method for luminescent diagnostics and control of skin neoplasms treatment based on ytterbium complexes of porphyrins.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pharmaceutical composition of Yb-DMDP IX luminescent in the NIR spectral region and various gels (cremophor, Tisol, Calgel) using penetrators with good penetration characteristics: dimethyl sulfoxide, glucosamine, and glycerol, accreditation certificate No. ROSS RU.0001.510608. Laser-fiber fluorimeter (excitation wavelength ≈405 nm, registered luminescence region 900–1100 nm) and stroboscopic stand with excitation in the visible spectral range were developed at Kotelnikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics. Perkin Elmer LS-5B spectrofluorimeter. The study included 35 patients with basal cell carcinomas and multiple keratomas.

RESULTS

Luminescence levels were found to be elevated in the presence of keratomas and near tumors with inflammation. Even higher luminescence intensity was detected in skin cancer foci, with the highest in the presence of erosions.

CONCLUSION

Significant differences were observed between the luminescence levels of intact skin and neoplasms. The proposed method can be applied in the skin cancer diagnosis, detection of hidden foci of tumor growth, and monitoring the effectiveness of the therapy.