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Updated: May 15, 2025
Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy for Mouse Models of Pleural Dissemination
Published on: February 9, 2021
Synergistic Comprehensive Activation Methods for Dual-Modality PDT and Hypoxia-Triggered Chemotherapy Guided by
Haoran Chen1, Shengnan Liu2, Wang Wang1
1State Key Laboratory of Luminescence Science and Technology, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130033, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) holds great promise for applications in cancer treatment, it has limited effectiveness against deep hypoxic tumors. Moreover, the lack of visualization guidance for precision theranostics poses additional challenges, hindering its broader clinical adoption. By combining NIR-IIc (1800 nm) imaging guidance with internally and externally activatable dual-modality PDT and hypoxia-triggered chemotherapy, this study proposes a conceptual framework to overcome these limitations. This approach involves the use of photoswitchable lanthanide-doped nanoparticles featuring Tm3+-activated upconversion/downshifting emissions coupled with carboxyl-terminated Ir(III) complex-based Type I/II photosensitizer to form a nanophotosensitizer. The findings demonstrate that this system enabled NIR-IIc imaging guidance upon 808/980 nm excitation while selectively activating external PDT under 980 nm irradiation, thereby ensuring accurate therapy and minimizing phototoxicity risk. The Ir(III) complex conjugates with luminol to form a self-illuminating Type I/II photosensitizer, which can respond to the elevated H2O2 levels in the tumor microenvironment, effectively catalyzing chemiluminescence-assisted PDT. Moreover, PDT aggravates tumor hypoxia, which in turn activates the hypoxia-activatable prodrugs like tirapazamine, resulting in a synergistic antitumor effect. With NIR-IIc imaging-guided dual-modality PDT, this study introduces a groundbreaking approach that unites Type I/II PDT with chemotherapy, significantly advancing the precise and effective treatment of deep hypoxic tumors.
Insights
This study introduces a novel nanoplatform for advanced cancer therapy. It combines near-infrared IIc imaging guidance with dual-modality photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chemotherapy to effectively treat deep hypoxic tumors.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is limited by poor efficacy against deep hypoxic tumors.
- Lack of precise visualization hinders theranostic applications of PDT.
- Hypoxic tumors present a significant challenge in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a conceptual framework for overcoming limitations in PDT for deep hypoxic tumors.
- To integrate near-infrared IIc (NIR-IIc) imaging guidance with dual-modality PDT and chemotherapy.
- To enhance precision theranostics and clinical adoption of PDT.
Main Methods:
- Utilized photoswitchable lanthanide-doped nanoparticles with Tm3+-activated upconversion/downshifting emissions.
- Incorporated a carboxyl-terminated Ir(III) complex-based Type I/II photosensitizer.
- Developed a nanophotosensitizer for NIR-IIc imaging guidance and dual-modality activation.
Main Results:
- Achieved NIR-IIc imaging guidance upon 808/980 nm excitation.
- Enabled selective external PDT activation under 980 nm irradiation, ensuring accuracy and minimizing phototoxicity.
- Demonstrated chemiluminescence-assisted PDT via Ir(III) complex-luminol conjugation, responding to tumor H2O2 levels.
- Showcased synergistic antitumor effects through PDT-induced hypoxia activating tirapazamine.
Conclusions:
- Introduced a groundbreaking approach uniting Type I/II PDT with chemotherapy guided by NIR-IIc imaging.
- Significantly advanced precise and effective treatment for deep hypoxic tumors.
- Established a versatile nanoplatform for theranostic applications in oncology.
