Abstract: Green porphyrins act as antigen-specific immunomodulators in the active phase of an immune response to a particular antigen. This effect occurs at ambient light levels.

Abstract: New compounds expanding the repertoire of compounds useful in photodynamic therapy are described. Monohydrobenzoporphyrins can be obtained in the triacid form or as esters with heteroatom-substituted alcohols, or as amides.

Abstract: New compounds useful in photodynamic therapy are of the formula ##STR1## and their 1,4-diene isomers and the metallated and/or labeled and/or conjugated forms thereofwherein each R.sup.1 is independently alkyl (1-6C);each n is independently an integer of 0-6; andR.sup.2 is vinyl or a derivative form thereof.

Abstract: New compounds expanding the repertoire of compounds useful in photodynamic therapy are described. Monohydrobenzoporphyrins can be obtained in the triacid form or as esters with heteroatom-substituted alcohols, or as amides.

Abstract: A method of administering photodynamic therapy begins with administering to an animal an effective amount of a photosensitizing agent which is less than about one half of the usual clinical dose for the photosensitizing agent. Then, following a post injection interval which is less about one quarter of the usual post injection interval, an effective dose of light which is less than about one half of the usual clinical dose of light used in conjunction with the photosensitizing agent is administered to the animal.

Abstract: A method destroys or impairs target cells that have selectively accumulated a photosensitizing agent. The target cells are in the bloodstream of an intact animal, which bloodstream and animal further contain non-target cells. Radiation is applied transcutaneously to at least a portion of the intact animal at an intensity effective to impair or destroy selectively the target cells and to leave non-target cells relatively unimpaired. Target cells include leukemia cells, virus-containing cells, parasite-containing cells, and microorganisms such as bacteria, parasites and free viruses.

Abstract: A method of administering photodynamic therapy begins with administering to an animal an effective amount of a photosensitizing agent which is less than about one half of the usual clinical dose for the photosensitizing agent. Then, following a post injection interval which is less about one quarter of the usual post injection interval, an effective dose of light which is less than about one half of the usual clinical dose of light used in conjunction with the photosensitizing agent is administered to the animal.

Abstract: A method destroys or impairs target cells that have selectively accumulated a photosensitizing agent. The target cells are in the bloodstream of an intact animal, which bloodstream and animal further contain non-target cells. Radiation is applied transcutaneously to at least a portion of the intact animal at an intensity effective to impair or destroy selectively the target cells and to leave non-target cells relatively unimpaired. Target cells include leukemia cells, virus-containing cells, parasite-containing cells, and microorganisms such as bacteria, parasites and free viruses.

Abstract: Green porphyrins (Gp), compounds important in photodynamic therapy, have been associated with lipocomplexes to reduce the required amount of photosensitizer through higher effective absorption and increased specificity. BPDs, especially in conjunction with the HDL fraction of plasma lipoproteins, has been shown to be particularly effective in this context. Pharmaceutical compositions in which these combinations are the active ingredients for use in diagnosis and treatment of tumors are also disclosed.