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Background: Collagen matrices as substitution for connective tissue are known to promote wound healing. Photodynamic therapy has been anecdotally associated with improved wound healing and reduced scarring. The present study investigates the impact of collagen based scaffolding material, embedded with a liposomal formulation of meta-tetra (hydroxyphenyl) chlorin (mTHPC, Foslip(®)) and photodynamic therapy on wound healing in mice., Methods: After incision in the neck region, two different types of collagen material, previously incubated with Foslip(®) at different concentrations, were implanted followed by illumination at 652nm (10J/cm(2), 100mW/cm(2)). Mice were imaged daily up to two weeks, whereafter excision was performed and pathological analysis., Results: Scab detachment was observed at day seven for controls whereas it occurred as early as three days for PDT at the lowest concentrations. In the latter conditions, final matrix remodelling could be observed as evidenced by elastin neosynthesis., Conclusions: Topical application of low dose Foslip(®) in a collagen matrix followed by illumination considerably accelerates wound healing., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Photodynamic therapy is a complex treatment modality where a large array of factors can influence therapeutic outcome. Vascularization, vessel permeability, oxygenation and light distribution in the tissue as well as immune response play a key role in the photodynamic process. Each of these factors can be influenced by the choice of the animal model. It is therefore of the utmost importance to choose an appropriate model for pre-clinical oncologic PDT studies. Orthotopic tumor models present the closest resemblance to the clinical situation with regard to the elements involved in PDT. We present here a brief organ specific overview of the different orthotopic animal models that can be used for in vivo photodynamic therapy studies.