Development of a Protocol for Whole-Lung In Vivo Lung Perfusion Assisted Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Lung Metastases

Isolated lung metastases in sarcoma and colorectal cancer patients are inadequately treated with current standard therapies. In Vivo Lung Perfusion, a novel platform, could overcome limitations to photodynamic therapy treatment volumes by using low cellular perfusate, removing blood, and thus allowing greater light penetration. Development of personalized photodynamic therapy protocols requires in silico light propagation simulations based on optical properties and maximal permissible photodynamic threshold doses of lung tissue. This approach aims to maximize the effective treatment dose to the lung while avoiding toxicity to healthy lung tissue. Based on this rationale, the overall objective of this study is to create a whole-lung perfusion assisted PDT protocol. Specifically, we aimed to develop a light delivery system to deliver light homogenously to the entire lung and validate simulations of light distribution in the organ to guide personalized PDT dosimetry.