The history of PDT in Norway: Part one: Identification of basic mechanisms of general PDT

SummaryPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is now an established treatment of malignant and premalignant dysplasias. A number of first and second generation photosensitizers have been studied in Norway. The aim has been to improve PDT efficiency and applicability. Many critical details regarding the mechanisms of PDT were elucidated by researchers in Norway. In this review we focus on the most important findings related to these basic mechanisms, such as generation of singlet oxygen, estimations of its lifetime, the oxygen effect itself, the subcellular localization of photosensitizers with different properties, their photodegradation during PDT and their tumour selectivity.