Method and device for applying hyperthermia to enhance drug perfusion and efficacy of subsequent light therapy

Apparatus for increasing a perfusion of a drug through tissue at a treatment site where photodynamic therapy is to be administered, comprising:

• a) a probe configured to be placed at the treatment site having means thereon for emitting light;
• and
• b) said probe having means for heating the tissue at the treatment site separate from said light emitting means to increase the perfusion of the drug into the tissue, said means for heating being disposed on the probe;
• and
• c) a controller connected to said light emitting means which allows the light emitting means to be energized without energizing the heating means.

A method for increasing an efficacy of a photodynamic therapy, comprising the steps of:

• a) applying a photoreactive agent to a treatment site, said photoreactive agent having a characteristic absorption waveband;
• b) energizing a light generating device and directing light generated the toward the treatment site from a probe used to administer the photodynamic therapy, said light having a waveband substantially corresponding to the characteristic absorption waveband of the photoreactive agent;
• and
• c) heating the treatment site after terminating the delivery of light from the light generating device using a heat source that is disposed on said probe, thereby raising the temperature of the treatment site to increase the efficacy of the photodynamic therapy.