Photodestruction in vitro of tumour cells sensitized by porphyrins and their conjugates with specific antibodies.

The photodynamic action of a number of carboxylic porphyrins and their covalent conjugates with specific monoclonal IgM antibodies on a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line was studied. All the conjugates showed strong phototoxicity which did not correspond with the phototoxicity of the free porphyrins. Absolute quantum yields of singlet oxygen photogeneration by the porphyrins and their conjugates were obtained and compared with the phototoxicity of the compounds.