How is vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with TOOKAD® performed?

The Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with TOOKAD® for localized prostate cancer is an outpatient treatment method that takes about 2 hours.

The usual procedure consists of the following steps:

1. The patient is positioned in the lithotomy position under general anesthesia.
2. The surgeon detects the tumor zones with the help of the TOOGUIDE® software and prepares the Fiber insertion catheter (FIC) for insertion
3. The FIC is positioned into the prostate transperineally through a transperineal prostate template using the TRUS scan system in accordance with the treatment guidelines provided by the TOOGUIDE® software
4. The optical fibers that disperse light are connected and calibrated to a low-energy, non-thermal producer of laser light
5. The calibrated optical fibers are then inserted into the FIC
6. An ultrasound and a light-detecting probe which is located in the rectum of the patient verify the correct placement of the optical fibers.
7. The TOOKAD®  drug is then administered intravenously as a 10-min single intravenous administration of 4 mg/kg TOOKAD® solution.
8. The activation of the TOOKAD® Soluble is achieved by continuous illumination of the prostate gland through the optical fibers
9. The drug activation leads to the occlusion of the blood vessels leading to necrosis or cell death of the selected tissues of prostate cancer.
10. The patient is then transferred to a recovery room after removing the optical fibers, for a minimum of 6 hours to recover from anesthesia.

The advantage of vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with TOOKAD®

• Localized prostate cancer patients have 2 suggested options: either active surveillance or immediately treating with radical therapy. Even though radical treatments are effective, they often damage genitourinary and bowel functions. On the other hand, active surveillance can only temporarily delay the need for radical therapy. The new alternative treatment like vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with TOOKAD® targets cancer areas and preserves the surrounding healthy tissues as well as the quality of life.
• It is an alternative treatment that can delay or escape radical therapy while conserving surrounding healthy tissue and organ function.
• The therapy has a high efficacy rate compared to active surveillance and less morbidity compared to radical therapy.
• In unfortunate cases where the tumor progresses after deficient treatment efficiency in the cancer zone or the appearance of a new tumor in the untreated part, radical therapy such as a definitive prostatectomy or radiation can still be an option.

Side effects of vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with TOOKAD®

The most common but extremely rare side effects of the selective vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with TOOKAD® are as follows:

• Urinary problems such as urinary retention or urinary incontinence
• Sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction and ejaculation failure
• Photosensitivity (skin redness and eye injury)
• Possible side effects of general anesthesia

Cost of vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with TOOKAD® in Germany

The cost for treatment of early-stage prostate cancer with Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with TOOKAD® varies depending upon which hospital and the treating doctor. 
Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with TOOKAD® in specialized hospitals ranges between 8,000- 15,000 Euros. This amount covers the cost of the initial clinical and laboratory examination, the therapy itself, the follow-up examinations, and the elaboration of recommendations for future treatment.