Abstract

Theranostics is a new medical specialization that combines therapy with diagnostics. This paper describes a video-endoscopy system intended for the photodynamic theranostics of malignant tumors of the respiratory passages, in which treatment consists of photodynamic therapy, using photosensitizers of the chlorin series (visible region) and indocyanine green (near-IR region), while diagnosis is performed using the same agents, but now as fluorescence markers of the tumor. The system is based on a standard brochofibroscope that uses several diode lasers as light sources to provide photodynamic action, to excite fluorescence, and for observation in reflected white light. Visualization is carried out by a multispectral video system that relies on the fluorescence pattern to perform targeted irradiation of the tumor and to monitor the irradiation-energy dosage from the attenuation of the photosensitizer’s luminescence brightness. The possibilities of the system are illustrated by clinical examples.

© 2019 Optical Society of America