(Circulation. 2000;102:591.)
© 2000 American Heart Association, Inc.
Current Perspective |
From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif (S.G.R., D.P.L.), and Pharmacyclics, Inc, Sunnyvale, Calif (W.-F.C., K.W.W.).
Correspondence to Stanley G. Rockson, MD, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, CVRC 287, Stanford, CA 94305. E-mail rockson{at}leland.stanford.edu
| Abstract |
|---|
|
|
|---|
Key Words: photodynamic therapy photoangioplasty atherosclerosis restenosis
| Introduction |
|---|
|
|
|---|
| Mechanism of PDT Action |
|---|
|
|
|---|
0.1 µm). Cell death is thus confined to
those illuminated areas in which there is an adequate presence of the
sensitizing drug.8 The physicochemical properties of the photosensitizing molecule will predicate preferential uptake by a target cellular population.5 In atherosclerosis, drug lipophilicity and the high lipid content of vascular plaque both appear to predicate selective uptake. Although these mechanisms have not been established with certainty,4 both passive and active processes have been identified for the uptake of hydrophobic photosensitizers into atheromatous plaque.9 Interestingly enough, the selective accumulation by atheromatous tissues of some lipophilic and hydrophilic agents is comparable.10 11 It is likely therefore that passive diffusion into the arterial wall from the vasa vasorum and from the lumen, as well as impaired endothelial permeability,12 13 can augment active transport mechanisms.
Whether in neoplasm or in atheroma, light of the appropriate wavelength is necessary to activate the drug. The light can originate from collimated sources (eg, lasers) or from diffuse illuminators (eg, high-power lamps and light-emitting diode panels).14 15 The emission wavelength is usually matched to the far-red absorption bandwidth of the photosensitizer. The light is then delivered to the treatment site either directly or via hollow wave guides or fibers terminating in optical configurations to achieve either a circumferential, segmental, or conical beam profile.16 Radially emitting fibers, with a variety of designs, have been used for endovascular PDT in animals,17 18 19 and in one case, a 2-patient clinical study.17 Another important advance in photoangioplasty is the development of compact, portable, and relatively inexpensive diode-based lasers to replace the older, large systems requiring special electrical and plumbing infrastructures; the latter are mostly dye lasers pumped by another laser (argon,19 20 21 KTP YAG) or pulse lasers (copper vapor).19
Severe cellular damage is noted in atheromatous areas after light exposure.7 However, there is demonstrable preservation of the intact elastic lamina and of normal collagen in the adventitia, suggesting that the functional integrity of the vessel is conserved.22 The absence of mural inflammation, despite extensive cell death, is consistent with the regression of atherosclerotic plaque through a hypothesized mechanism of apoptosis, although this has not yet been conclusively demonstrated. Paradoxically, a so-called "dark effect," ie, a therapeutic response to the drug in the absence of light, has also been described for the inhibitory effect on restenosis of at least one photosensitizer, a benzoporphyrin derivative. The therapeutic implication of this observation has not been delineated.
| Photosensitizing Drugs for PDT |
|---|
|
|
|---|
Administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a biochemical precursor for protoporphyrin IX, has been accomplished by topical, systemic, and local internal routes in a variety of malignant and dysplastic conditions.8 31 However, its administration can elicit hemodynamic changes (depression of systemic and pulmonary pressures and pulmonary resistance) that might limit its ultimate utility in cardiovascular applications.32
Newer agents with selective localization, greater PDT efficiency, and minor, self-limited potential for cutaneous phototoxicity are now available.4 Phototherapeutic capacity in atherosclerosis has been described for a number of these molecules, including the phthalocyanines (photoactivated at 675 nm),11 33 chlorins (at 660 nm),34 purpurins (at 663 nm),35 and benzoporphyrin derivatives (at 690 nm).13 However, most of these agents require liposomal or intralipid formulation before administration.
Early PDT agents for cardiovascular disease were
activated at wavelengths <700 nm, at which point blood and
tissues substantially attenuate the delivery of light to target
cells.36 However, tissue optics dictate that for optimal
photochemical response, the ideal photosensitizer should display
maximal absorption in the range of 700 to 800 or 950 to 1100
nm.15 The recent renewal of interest in the therapeutic
potential of cardiovascular PDT has been prompted
largely by the availability of expanded macrocycles known as the
texaphyrins. These drugs circumvent many of the physicochemical
limitations of previously studied sensitizers. Texaphyrins are
synthetic, water-soluble macrocycles with long wavelength-absorbing
properties. They localize both in cancerous lesions and in
atheromatous plaque.20 37 38 Incorporation
of a diamagnetic lanthanide, lutetium, into the texaphyrin molecule
yields a potent PDT agent that is activated by
tissue-penetrating far-red light (732 nm).20 21 In
addition, motexafin lutetium fluoresces at 750 nm (Figure 1
); endogenous chromophores
do not emit light at 750 nm. Hence, in vivo real-time imaging of target
structures is feasible, thus facilitating clinical diagnosis and
treatment planning. Similarly, the related, paramagnetic gadolinium
texaphyrin might facilitate MRI of atheromatous
vascular disease.37
|
Texaphyrins localize in and eradicate diseased tissues,20
including atherosclerotic plaque (Figure 2
).21 37 PDT with motexafin
lutetium causes selective photodamage and thereby helps to reverse both
diet-induced20 and balloon-induced39
atheromatous plaque in rabbits. The enhanced
efficacy of texaphyrins may be attributable both to a more selective
uptake and retention of the photosensitizing molecules and to the depth
of light penetration achievable in blood and tissue at the longer
732-nm wavelength illumination.20 Uptake of motexafin
lutetium by the atheromatous plaque occurs in a ratio
of 16:1 to 34:1 when diseased and normal segments of the
arterial wall are contrasted.40 One possible
mechanism for this selective plaque uptake of texaphyrins is through
plasma lipoprotein binding or modification.37 Unlike
HpD-based PDT,21 there is no evidence of microscopic
damage to the arterial wall after PDT with motexafin
lutetium.
|
| Cardiovascular Applications of PDT |
|---|
|
|
|---|
Several studies have shown that PDT inhibits SMC growth and decreases the development of experimentally induced intimal hyperplasia response. The effects of PDT on the injury response seem to be rather complex. Photosensitization can accomplish a complete cellular eradication within the vascular wall without associated inflammation and proliferation, suggesting that PDT may induce changes in the extracellular matrix of the vascular wall.45 In vitro, exposure to PDT eliminates detectable levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (ßFGF and FGF-2) in solution and significantly reduces the smooth muscle mitogenesis inducible by matrix-associated FGF-2.45 In vivo, PDT of rat carotid arteries produces a loss of ßFGF staining compared with control, nontreated arteries. Furthermore, the effect of PDT on the release and activation of transforming growth factor-ß1 has also been examined in vitro.46 The data suggest that PDT may inhibit intimal hyperplasia through local inhibition of local cytokine release or activation.
In vitro investigations support the concept that PDT can favorably influence endothelial vascular biology. PDT with Photofrin II substantially impairs the growth of cultured SMCs derived from both atherosclerotic lesions and nonatherosclerotic arteries.30 47 The effect on SMCs obtained from atherosclerotic lesions (activated SMCs) is much greater than that seen in the cells obtained from the normal vascular wall. Similarly, studies of SMCs derived from saphenous vein grafts have shown significant inhibition of their growth after photosensitization.48 In addition, PDT on bovine aortic endothelial cell preparations in vitro induces changes in extracellular matrix: SMC proliferation and migration are inhibited and endothelial cell proliferation is enhanced.48 These PDT-induced vascular responses may benefit the process of vascular remodeling and reduce the likelihood of a restenosis response. The preferential uptake of the drug in atherosclerotic segments is further accentuated in the highly cellular regions of restenosis, suggesting that the selective cytotoxic effect could be applied to both the therapy and the prophylaxis of restenosis.45
In Vivo Experience
A benefit after photosensitization with Photofrin in
atherosclerotic rabbits has been reported,24 49 although
others have shown only a slight to modest reduction in plaque
burden.27 The lack of marked therapeutic benefit with
Photofrin-mediated PDT in atherosclerosis has
been ascribed to the ability of blood to impair light transmission at
630 nm.12 Thus, suboptimal light transmission would
produce subtherapeutic activation of the sensitizer. Furthermore,
safety considerations limit the maximum light dose that can be
delivered. In experimental treatments of canine coronary
arteries in vivo, light doses >200 J/cm2
elicited angiographic spasm, histological necrosis, and
even transmural injury.18 In this study, the cases of
premature death were ascribed to the effects of coronary artery
spasm, because only minor medial damage was seen in some of these
specimens. In fact, even at high light doses, no embolization, vessel
perforation, or aneurysmal dilatation was seen.
Efficient reduction of atherosclerotic plaque burden has also been
demonstrated after PDT with motexafin lutetium.
Histological analysis of the posttreatment
specimens reveals selective reduction in plaque area in a
hypercholesterolemic rabbit model (Figure 3
),21 whereas in a
balloon-injury model, a significant reduction in macrophage
density within the treated lesions was observed.39
|
The in vivo studies on intimal hyperplasia have yielded more universally promising results. For example, a substantial reduction in intimal hyperplasia has been shown in the rat carotid artery injury model with chloroaluminum-sulfonated phthalocyanine and 675-nm light at a fluence (the power density of light over time) of 100 J/cm2.50 No thermal injury was identified in the treated vascular segments. In most cases, inhibition of intimal hyperplasia correlates with histological absence of inflammatory and SMCs in the media. Similar benefits have been observed in other experimental model systems with Photofrin51 and ALA.8 PDT at the time of angioplasty leads to an acellular media despite regeneration of the endothelial lining.8 On the basis of the latter study, it would appear that it is not necessary to delay PDT after balloon injury to prevent the injury response of restenosis, because photoactivation at the time of angioplasty completely abolished the expected intimal hyperplasia after this injury. In addition, both short- and long-term benefits of PDT have been demonstrated.45 52
In another study of PDT in a balloon-injured rodent arterial model, the media remained acellular for several weeks to months, and intimal hyperplasia did not occur.6 Although endothelial regeneration occurred by 2 weeks, SMCs failed to repopulate the media. During PDT, retraction of endothelial cells does allow adherence of neutrophils by their ß2-integrin adhesion receptors to the subendothelial matrix, leading to the hypothesis that successful prevention of intimal hyperplasia by PDT relies in part on the presence of the neutrophil at the site of the lesion. Recently, Photofrin PDT was performed with continuous external laser irradiation in the rabbits either 1 (prevention) or 6 (treatment) weeks after balloon injury.53 PDT was quite effective in the treatment of established intimal hyperplasia but did not prevent it. The authors concluded that refinements in dosimetry will be necessary to achieve long-term benefits.53
The importance of the selection of the correct arterial region in the prevention of restenosis has been examined in the balloon-injured rat carotid artery.54 The results of that study indicate that a hypercellular injury response in a treated lesion can originate from a remote source; consequently, successful elimination of restenosis by PDT may require inclusion of the entire injured artery in the treatment field, perhaps including a section of uninjured margin.
| Human Clinical Applications |
|---|
|
|
|---|
The clinical trials of motexafin lutetium (Antrin) were
propelled by early preclinical indications of selective and efficacious
resolution of plaque in rabbits. Clinical evaluation of motexafin
lutetium is also ongoing in patients with recurrent breast cancer
(Lutrin) and age-related macular degeneration
(Optrin). In these latter studies, the drug has been well
tolerated. The maximum tolerated dose proved to be 5.5 mg/kg on the
basis of elicitation of pain in the treatment field and dysesthesias in
light-exposed areas.55 Plasma pharmacokinetic data taken
from these patients showed the drug to be cleared relatively quickly,
exhibiting a T1/2
and
T1/2ß of 0.32 and 12.9 hours, respectively.
Early observations from a phase I trial in claudicants with
peripheral arterial
atherosclerosis suggest that the therapy is well
tolerated and has the capacity to invoke a therapeutic response in
these patients. In >90% of vessels treated to date, intravascular
ultrasonography has confirmed measurable improvement in lumen
cross-sectional area after Antrin photoangioplasty. The therapeutic
changes are achieved without documented adverse vascular responses or
any treatment-limiting phototoxicity. In these ongoing trials, doses of
1 to 5 mg/kg of Antrin have been administered intravenously
before PDT, although preclinical data also support the feasibility of
local endovascular drug delivery. This may ultimately be more
clinically advantageous.39 56 Endovascular light is
delivered through a cylindrical diffuser fiber, typically 24 hours
after systemic, intravenous administration of Antrin. The
fiber is positioned adjacent to the lesion of interest by
percutaneous delivery through a standard 5F to 8F
guiding catheter. Light treatment is sustained for 941 seconds to
achieve 400-J/cm diffuser fiber over a 3-cm diffuser length fiber. A
portable, relatively inexpensive 730-nm diode system facilitates these
illumination requirements.
Of paramount interest may be the capacity of photoangioplasty to prevent the cellular responses of restenosis after conventional endovascular procedures. Future investigation will also determine the synergistic role of photoangioplasty when performed at the time of standard endovascular procedures. The available preclinical investigations, coupled with recent and continuing improvements in laser and fiberoptic technology, suggest a promising role for photoangioplasty in the future prevention and treatment of restenosis. Further clinical investigation must evaluate therapeutic outcomes and exclude a significant potential for coronary artery spasm in human applications. Although the time needed for full cytotoxic effect may limit applicability to short-term, primary therapeutic interventions, one can envision a potential role of photoangioplasty as an adjunct to the standard percutaneous techniques for revascularization. Additional, ripe clinical scenarios might include interventions for vulnerable plaque, long coronary lesions, diffuse and distal vascular disease, and stabilization of vulnerable plaque.
| References |
|---|
|
|
|---|
This article has been cited by other articles:
![]() |
R Waksman, I M Leitch, J Roessler, H Yazdi, R Seabron, F Tio, R W Scott, R I Grove, S Rychnovsky, B Robinson, et al. Intracoronary photodynamic therapy reduces neointimal growth without suppressing re-endothelialisation in a porcine model Heart, August 1, 2006; 92(8): 1138 - 1144. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
A. M. Cotton A Review of the Principles and Use of Lasers in Lower Limb Problems International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, September 1, 2004; 3(3): 133 - 142. [Abstract] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
N. R. Bijsterveld, R. J. G. Peters, S. A. Murphy, P. J. L. M. Bernink, J. G. P. Tijssen, M. Cohen, and TIMI 11B/ESSENCE Study Groups Recurrent cardiac ischemic events early after discontinuation of short-term heparin treatment in acute coronary syndromes: Results from the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 11B and efficacy and safety of subcutaneous enoxaparin in Non-Q-Wave coronary events (ESSENCE) studies J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., December 17, 2003; 42(12): 2083 - 2089. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
D. J. Kereiakes, A. M. Szyniszewski, D. Wahr, H. C. Herrmann, D. I. Simon, C. Rogers, P. Kramer, W. Shear, A. C. Yeung, K. A. Shunk, et al. Phase I Drug and Light Dose-Escalation Trial of Motexafin Lutetium and Far Red Light Activation (Phototherapy) in Subjects With Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Stent Deployment: Procedural and Long-Term Results Circulation, September 16, 2003; 108(11): 1310 - 1315. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
C. A Thompson and S. N Oesterle Biointerventional cardiology: the future interface of interventional cardiovascular medicine and bioengineering Vascular Medicine, May 1, 2002; 7(2): 135 - 140. [Abstract] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
N. R. Bijsterveld, A. H. Moons, J. C. M. Meijers, J. G. P. Tijssen, H. R. Buller, M. Levi, and R. J. G. Peters Rebound thrombin generation after heparin therapy in unstable angina: A randomized comparison between unfractionated and low-molecular-weight heparin J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., March 6, 2002; 39(5): 811 - 817. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
K. Arakawa, K. Hagisawa, H. Kusano, S. Yoneyama, A. Kurita, T. Arai, M. Kikuchi, I. Sakata, S.-i. Umenura, and F. Ohsuzu Sonodynamic Therapy Decreased Neointimal Hyperplasia After Stenting in the Rabbit Iliac Artery Circulation, January 15, 2002; 105(2): 149 - 151. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
D. J. Granville, B. A. Cassidy, D. O. Ruehlmann, J. C. Choy, C. Brenner, G. Kroemer, C. van Breemen, P. Margaron, D. W. Hunt, and B. M. McManus Mitochondrial Release of Apoptosis-Inducing Factor and Cytochrome c During Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis Am. J. Pathol., July 1, 2001; 159(1): 305 - 311. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
Z. Chen, K. W. Woodburn, C. Shi, D. C. Adelman, C. Rogers, and D. I. Simon Photodynamic Therapy With Motexafin Lutetium Induces Redox-Sensitive Apoptosis of Vascular Cells Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., May 1, 2001; 21(5): 759 - 764. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
T. W. Stief Is Singlet Oxygen Antiatherosclerotic? Am. J. Pathol., February 1, 2001; 158(2): 781 - 782. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. G. Rockson, P. Kramer, M. Razavi, A. Szuba, S. Filardo, P. Fitzgerald, J. P. Cooke, S. Yousuf, A. R. DeVault, M. F. Renschler, et al. Photoangioplasty for Human Peripheral Atherosclerosis : Results of a Phase I Trial of Photodynamic Therapy With Motexafin Lutetium (Antrin) Circulation, November 7, 2000; 102(19): 2322 - 2324. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J. W. Villard, M. D. Feldman, J. Kim, T. E. Milner, and G. L. Freeman Use of a Blood Substitute to Determine Instantaneous Murine Right Ventricular Thickening With Optical Coherence Tomography Circulation, April 16, 2002; 105(15): 1843 - 1849. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Circulation Home | Subscriptions | Archives | Feedback | Authors | Help | AHA Journals Home | Search Copyright © 2000 American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited. |