Chlorin e6-polyvinylpyrrolidone as a fluorescent marker for fluorescence diagnosis of human bladder cancer implanted on the chick chorioallantoic membrane model

The use of fluorescence diagnosis as a modern cancer diagnostic modality is rapidly gaining importance in the field of urology. It is based on the detection of distinctive light emission of tissues sensitized by fluorescent dyes, commonly referred to as photosensitizers, after irradiation with a specific light source. Therefore, the search for specific fluorescent dyes with high sensitivity and specificity for bladder cancer is constantly being sought after. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of a new formulation consisting a mixture of chlorin e6 and polyvinylpyrrolidone (Ce6–PVP) for the detection of human bladder cancer cells (MGH) implanted on the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Uptake kinetics studies were quantitatively determined for both systemic and topical administrations of Ce6–PVP to the normal CAM as well as the MGH human bladder tumor implanted on CAM using fluorescence imaging technique. Rapid elimination of Ce6–PVP was displayed following topical application compared to systemic administration in the normal CAM system. Ce6–PVP was found to localize selectively in the xenografted bladder tumor in contrast to the CAM tissue. Neither dark toxicity nor irritancy was observed on the CAM tissue at the dose of 2 mg/kg Ce6–PVP. In conclusion, the Ce6–PVP formulation appeared to have the potential as a fluorescent marker for fluorescence diagnosis of human bladder cancer.