LAUSR

DVDMS‐2 is a novel candidate for photodynamic therapy of tumors. The purpose of the present study was to assess the distribution and elimination of DVDMS‐2 in mice bearing hepatoma 22 tumors. DVDMS‐2 (1, 2 and 4 mg kg−1) was injected intravenously into the mice, extracted from biological tissues and quantified using a fluorescence assay. The data obtained were processed with WinNonlin pharmacokinetic software. The fluorescence assay established for DVDMS‐2 quantification was a rapid, reproducible, sensitive and specific method with good linearity. The pharmacokinetics of DVDMS‐2 in tumor‐bearing mice conformed to a two‐compartment model. DVDMS‐2 accumulated in tumor tissue to a greater extent than adjacent tissues (skin, muscle) and sustained a relatively high‐level concentration 12 to 24 h following administration, which may be the optimal treatment time point. In conclusion, DVDMS‐2 selectively accumulated in tumor tissue and was eliminated at a rapid rate in tumor‐bearing mice, suggesting that DVDMS‐2 may have few side effects, including skin phototoxicity. The present study established the pharmacokinetic characteristics of DVDMS‐2, which may be beneficial in future clinical study.