Uses of benzochlorins, verdins and porphyrin derivatives and of

Abstract

A family of benzochlorins, a family of verdins, a family of porphyrin derivatives and metal complexes thereof are disclosed. The benzochlorins have the formula of FIG. 3 of the attached drawings; their metal complexes have the formula of FIG. 1. The verdins have the formula of FIG. 4 of the attached drawings; their metal complexes have the formula of FIG. 2. The porphyrin derivatives have the formula of FIG. 7 of the attached drawings; their metal complexes have the formula of FIG. 8. Solutions of the benzochlorins, verdins, porphyrin derivatives and metal complexes which are physiologically acceptable for intravenous administration are also disclosed, as are emulsions or suspensions of the solutions, and compositions which additionally include cyclodextrin, and wherein the molecules of the benzochlorin, verdin, porphyrin derivative or metal complex are encapsulated within the molecules of the cyclodextrin. The solvent for the solutions can be a product of the reaction of ethylene oxide with castor oil. A method for detecting and diseased tissue in human and animal patients is also disclosed. The method comprises administering one of the benzochlorins, verdins, porphyrin derivatives or metal complexes to the patient. For detection, the diseased tissue is then illuminated with ultra violet light or light at which the benzochlorin or the like administered has an absorption peak; for treatment, the diseased tissue is illuminated with visible light of a wavelength at which the benzochlorin or the like administered shows an absorption peak. A method for treating blood and other body fluids and tissues is also disclosed. The method comprises in vitro irradiation of the body fluid or tissue and an effective amount of a benzochlorin or the like with light of a wavelength at which the benzochlorin or the like has an absorbance peak.