Single-molecule chemiluminescent photosensitizer for a self-activating and tumor-selective photodynamic therapy of cancer.

Basic Information

ID: ALA4406844

Journal: Eur J Med Chem

Title: Single-molecule chemiluminescent photosensitizer for a self-activating and tumor-selective photodynamic therapy of cancer.

Authors: Pinto da Silva L, Núnez-Montenegro A, Magalhães CM, Ferreira PJO, Duarte D, González-Berdullas P, Rodríguez-Borges JE, Vale N, Esteves da Silva JCG.

Abstract: While photodynamic therapy is known for significant advantages over conventional cancer therapies, its dependence on light has limited it to treating tumors on or just under the skin or on the outer lining of organs/cavities. Herein, we have developed a single-molecule photosensitizer capable of intracellular self-activation and with potential tumor-selectivity due to a chemiluminescent reaction involving only a cancer marker. Thus, the photosensitizer is directly chemiexcited to a triplet excited state capable of generating singlet oxygen, without requiring either a light source or any catalyst/co-factor. Cytotoxicity assays involving the photosensitizer show significant toxicity toward tumor cells, even better than reference drugs, while not inducing toxicity toward normal cells. This work provides a proof-of-concept for a novel type of photosensitizer that eliminates the current restrictions that photodynamic therapy presents regarding tumor size and localization.

CiteXplore: 31514060

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111683

Patent ID: