Prospects for Infrared Luminescent Diagnostics of Superficially Located Neoplasms Using Ytterbium Porphyrin Complexes

In this paper, we developed a promising technique for luminescent infrared (IR) diagnostics of neoplasms of visually and endoscopically accessible localization (dermatology, gynecology, dentistry) using ytterbium complexes of porphyrins. Possible mechanisms of accumulation of a pharmaceutical composition based on the ytterbium complex of 2,4-di(α-methoxyethyl)deuteroporphyrin IX (Yb-DMDP) in tumor tissues were studied. Studies on the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of this substance in various organs and neoplasms of laboratory animals showed a significant selectivity of the accumulation of nanoparticles with ytterbium ions in tumors as early as 24 h after intravenous administration. For the purposes of luminescent IR diagnostics, a highly sensitive laser-fiber fluorimeter operating in the spectral range of 900–1100 nm was developed. Preclinical tests of the developed method of fluorescent IR cancer diagnostics were carried out and its prospects were shown.