Exploring the Phototoxicity of Hypoxic Active Iridium(III)-Based Sensitizers in 3D Tumor Spheroids

Among all molecules developed for anticancer therapies, photodynamic therapeutic agents have a unique profile. Their maximal activity is specifically triggered in tumors by light, and toxicity of even systemically delivered drug is prevented in nonilluminated parts of the body. Photosensitizers exert their therapeutic effect by producing reactive oxygen species via a light-activated reaction with molecular oxygen. Consequently, the lowering of pO₂ deep in solid tumors limits their treatment and makes essential the design of oxygen-independent sensitizers. In this perspective, we have recently developed Ir(III)-based molecules able to oxidize biomolecules by type I processes under oxygen-free conditions. We examine here their phototoxicity in relevant biological models. We show that drugs, which are mitochondria-accumulated, induce upon light irradiation a dramatic decrease of the cell viability, even under low oxygen conditions. Finally, assays on 3D tumor spheroids highlight the importance of the light-activation step and the oxygen consumption rate on the drug activity.