Temperature elevations in prostatic tumors during laser photothermal therapy

In vivo experiments were performed to measure temperature elevations in prostatic tumors implanted in mice during laser photothermal therapy using nanorods. Ti:Sapphire laser tuned at 800 nm irradiating the surface of the tumor delivered an average laser power of 0.5 - 1.0 W, equivalent to a laser radiance of 1.3-2.6 W/cm(2). The temperature elevations measured by two thermocouples located at the center and bottom of the tumor have shown non-uniform tumor temperature field, 10-30 degrees C above the baseline temperature of 37 degrees C. The experimental studies have demonstrated the capability of confining laser energy in tumors by a very small amount of nanorod solution.