Photoimmunotherapy: A new cancer treatment using photochemical reactions

Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) is a new molecular-targeted phototherapy in which administration of an antibody conjugated to IR700 (Ab-IR700, a phthalocyanine derivative) is followed by irradiation with near-infrared light. PIT induces cell death due to cell membrane damage, and the formation of IR700 aggregates on the cell membrane triggered by photochemical reactions is an important mechanism of cell killing. Specifically, water-soluble axial ligands of IR700 are cleaved by the photochemical reaction, and the phthalocyanine stacks up due to the π-π interaction, resulting in the formation of aggregates. In addition, the formation of IR700 radical anions and their protonation are essential for the progress of this photochemical reaction. The elucidation of these mechanisms may lead to the development of more effective compounds in the future. In addition, the optical properties of phthalocyanine are expected to expand the medical application of phthalocyanine derivatives in the future.