Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
Sonodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme in a Mouse Model Using a Portable Benchtop Focused Ultrasound System
Published on: February 10, 2023
Photodynamic effects of SIM01, a new sensitizer, on experimental brain tumors in rats
David Olivier1, Ludovic Bourré, Emad El-Sabbagh
1Département Laser, Neurochirurgie, CHU Nantes, 44480 Nantes, France.
Background:
Glioblastomas are the third most common cause of cancer death in patients between 15 and 35 years old. Literature suggests that PDT could represent a promising treatment, providing that sensitizers could accumulate within the cancer tissues despite the blood-brain barrier.
Methods:
Distribution and PDT effect of SIM01, a promising photosensitizer, have been evaluated on orthotopic C6 tumor model in rats by comparison with HPD and m-THPC. Pharmacokinetics had been analyzed with fluorescence and ROS. Photodynamic treatment was done using a 630-nm light with an energy density of 100 J cm(-2) for HPD and a 652-nm light with an energy density of 20 J cm(-2) for m-THPC and SIM01.
Results:
The correlation between fluorescence and ROS dosimetry was found to be excellent. An optimal concentration was found after 12 hours for SIM01 (4 mg/kg), 24 hours for HPD (10 mg/kg), and 48 hours for m-THPC (4 mg/kg). The best normal tissue/cancer ratio of concentration had been found after 12 hours for SIM01 and 48 hours for HPD and m-THPC. Pathological examinations after PDT showed that the criteria for histology of glioblastic origin were absent in SIM01-treated rats 12 hours after injection but were present in 50% of rats treated 24 hours after injection and in all after a 48-hour delay. Mean survival of rats treated 12 or 24 hours after SIM01 injection was significantly improved compared with controls, HPD-, or m-THPC-treated groups. Survival of rats treated 12 or 24 hours after SIM01 injection reached 20 days but decreased for longer delays. On the contrary, survival reached 18 days at the maximum for rats treated 48 hours after m-THPC or HPD injection.
Conclusions:
Our results confirm that PDT is a promising treatment for glioblastomas. SIM01 efficacy is as efficient as m-THPC but with much more favorable pharmacokinetics.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows promise for glioblastoma treatment. The photosensitizer SIM01 demonstrates improved pharmacokinetics and efficacy compared to HPD and m-THPC, offering a potentially better treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Glioblastomas are a leading cause of cancer mortality in young adults.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a potential glioblastoma treatment, contingent on photosensitizer accumulation in tumor tissue across the blood-brain barrier.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the distribution and photodynamic therapy (PDT) effects of the photosensitizer SIM01.
- To compare SIM01 with HPD and m-THPC in an orthotopic C6 glioblastoma rat model.
- To assess pharmacokinetics and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation for SIM01.
Main Methods:
- Orthotopic C6 glioblastoma rat model utilized for evaluating SIM01, HPD, and m-THPC.
- Pharmacokinetic analysis performed using fluorescence and ROS measurements.
- Photodynamic treatment administered with specific wavelengths and energy densities for each photosensitizer.
Main Results:
- Excellent correlation observed between fluorescence and ROS dosimetry.
- Optimal SIM01 concentration achieved at 12 hours, with superior normal tissue/cancer ratio.
- SIM01 treatment led to the absence of glioblastic histology criteria and significantly improved mean survival rates compared to controls and other agents.
Conclusions:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is confirmed as a promising glioblastoma treatment modality.
- SIM01 exhibits comparable efficacy to m-THPC but with significantly more favorable pharmacokinetic properties.
- SIM01 represents a promising photosensitizer for glioblastoma treatment due to its enhanced pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic efficacy.
