| abstract |
Families of chlorins, families of purpurins and metal complexes thereof are disclosed. The purpurins and their metal complexes have the structures of FIGS. 1, 7, 14-18, 29-38, 44-48 and 54-58 of the attached drawings. The chlorins and their metal complexes have the formulas of FIGS. 2, 8, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 39, 40, 42, 43 and 49-53 of the attached drawings. Solutions of the purpurins, of the foregoing and other chlorins and of the metal complexes which are physiologically acceptable for intravenous administration are also disclosed, as are emulsions or suspensions of the solutions. The solvent for the solutions can be a product of the reaction of ethylene oxide with castor oil. A method for detecting and treating tumors in human and animal patients is also disclosed. The method comprises administering one of the purpurins, chlorins or metal complexes to the patient. For detection, the patient is then illuminated with ultra violet light; for treatment, the patient is illuminated with visible light of a wavelength at which the purpurin, chlorin or complex administered shows an absorption peak. Families of purpurins, chlorins and metal complexes which can be detected by nuclear magnetic resonance or by an instrument that detects ionizing radiation are also disclosed. These compounds have the formula of one of FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8, or 14-58 and a structure which is enriched in an atom that can be detected by nuclear magnetic resonance, e.g., C-13 or N-15, or by an instrument that detects ionizing radiation, e.g., C-14. |