Spectral characterization of the benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring-A photoproduct formed in fetal calf solutions during irradiation with 694 nm continuous-wave radiation

Benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring A (BPD-MA) is a second-generation photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT) that has shown good results in phase I clinical trials. Similar to other porphyrin derivatives, BPD-MA readily photobleaches during in-vivo PDT treatment. This study investigated the photodegradation of BPD-MA in fetal calf serum (FCS) solutions in vitro. Absorption and fluorescence spectra from dilute solutions of BPD-MA in 10% FCS were recorded before and immediately after irradiation with light at 694 nm. After irradiation, the appearance of a new fluorescence emission band at 650 nm and changes in the fluorescence excitation spectra indicate the formation of a photoproduct. Photoproduct formation was observed only when BPD-MA was bound to FCS and in oxygenated solutions. The spectroscopy of the photoproduct is consistent with the reaction of an oxygen species with the ring B vinyl group, forming a hydroxyaldehyde photoproduct. Monitoring the increase in photoproduct fluorescence during treatment may provide an in-vivo dosimeter to measure PDT efficacy.