Phthalocyanines may be an alternative group of macrocycles applicable for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Although as a class, phthalocyanines localize in tumours, efficacy of cytotoxicity appears to depend to some degree on the specific compound. Biodistribution patterns of the phthalocyanines are similar to those for dihaematoporphyrin ether (DHE); the major sites of deposition being liver, kidney and spleen while the remaining organs show varying degrees of accumulation. The optimal time for PDT when using phthalocyanine appears to be between 24 and 48 h.