NCIt definition : An agent consisting of chlorin e6, derived from chlorophyll, and L-aspartic acid with
photosensitizing activity. After intratumoral activation by light emitting diodes,
taporfin sodium forms an extended high energy conformational state that generates
singlet oxygen, resulting in free radical-mediated cell death. (NCI04);
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A drug used in photodynamic therapy. When absorbed by cancer cells and
exposed to light, the drug becomes active and kills the cancer cells.;