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Updated: Aug 15, 2025
Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
Photo-Activable Organosilver Nanosystem Facilitates Synergistic Cancer Theranostics
Xiaohui Liu1,2, Duoyang Fan1,2, Yueming Ren1,2
1Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Anticancer drug development is important for human health, yet it remains a tremendous challenge. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which induces cancer cell apoptosis via light-triggered production of reactive oxygen species, is a promising method. However, it has minimal efficacy in subcellular targeting, hypoxic microenvironments, and deep-seated malignancies. Here, we constructed a breast cancer photo-activable theranostic nanosystem through the rational design of a synthetic lysosomal-targeted molecule with multifunctions as aggregation-induced near-infrared (NIR) emission, a photosensitizer (PDT), and organosilver (chemotherapy) for NIR imaging and synergistic cancer therapy. The synthetic molecule could self-assemble into nanoparticles (TPIMBS NPs) and be stabilized with amphiphilic block copolymers for enhanced accumulation in tumor sites through passive targeting while reducing the leakage in normal tissues. Through photochemical internalization, TPIMBS NPs preferentially concentrated in the lysosomes of cancer cells and generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light irradiation, resulting in lysosomal rupture and release of PSs to the cytosol, which led to cell apoptosis. Further, the photoinduced release of Ag+ from TPIMBS NPs could act as chemotherapy, significantly improving the overall therapeutic efficacy by synergistic effects with PDT. This research sheds fresh light on the creation of effective cancer treatments.
Insights
This study introduces a novel theranostic nanosystem for breast cancer treatment. The system combines photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy for enhanced efficacy and near-infrared imaging.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Anticancer drug development faces significant challenges.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows promise but has limitations in targeting and efficacy.
- Current PDT methods struggle with subcellular targeting, hypoxic environments, and deep tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a photo-activable theranostic nanosystem for breast cancer.
- To integrate near-infrared (NIR) imaging, PDT, and chemotherapy.
- To enhance cancer cell apoptosis and therapeutic efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Designed a synthetic lysosomal-targeted molecule self-assembling into TPIMBS NPs.
- Stabilized TPIMBS NPs with block copolymers for passive tumor targeting.
- Utilized photochemical internalization for lysosomal accumulation and ROS generation upon light irradiation.
- Incorporated organosilver for photoinduced Ag+ release, enabling chemotherapy.
Main Results:
- TPIMBS NPs demonstrated enhanced accumulation in tumor sites.
- Light irradiation triggered ROS production, lysosomal rupture, and cancer cell apoptosis.
- Photoinduced Ag+ release provided a synergistic chemotherapeutic effect with PDT.
- The nanosystem enabled NIR imaging and effective synergistic cancer therapy.
Conclusions:
- The developed TPIMBS NPs offer a promising theranostic approach for breast cancer.
- Synergistic PDT and chemotherapy significantly improve therapeutic outcomes.
- This strategy addresses limitations of traditional PDT and advances cancer treatment modalities.
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