Photodynamic laser therapy performed with hematoporphyrin derivatives has become increasingly important in the treatment of well-defined tumors in superficial sites. Limitations of this procedure result from the side effects of hematoporphyrin derivatives. In searching for possible alternatives to the usual photosensitizing agents, we studied the cytostatic drugs adriamycin and epirubicin. In order to evaluate the photodynamic effects of these agents we conducted in vitro studies on isolated cells from a squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. The light source employed was an argon laser with wavelengths at 488/514 nm. Comparison of the cytostatic effect achieved by these anthracycline derivatives with and without laser light treatment showed a pronounced photodynamic effect. These results may herald new photodynamic therapeutic modalities.