5-ALA photodynamic ablation of fibroblastic soft-tissue tumors

•Upon administration of 5-aminolevulic acid (5-ALA) to patients who have fibroblastic soft-tissue tumors, positive uptake and processing of 5-ALA to its photoactive form, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), has been detected.•Following tumor resection, illumination of the surgical bed with red light at a wavelength of 635 nm induces cellular apoptosis and death and associated with decreased rate of local tumor recurrence.•Side effects associated with photodynamic therapy with 5-ALA are minor and include nausea and mild and transient elevation in liver transaminases.