Photodynamic therapy: update 2006. Part 1: Photochemistry and photobiology

Fluorescence molecular imaging-guided photodynamic therapy for early breast cancer in the prone position: Feasibility evaluation with Monte Carlo simulations

INTRODUCTION

The successful diagnosis and treatment of early-stage breast cancer enhances the quality of life of patients. As a promising alternative to recently developed magnetic resonance imaging-guided radiotherapy, we proposed fluorescence molecular imaging-guided photodynamic therapy (FMI-guided PDT), which requires no expensive equipment. In the FMI simulations, ICG-C11 which has emission peaks at near-infrared wavelengths was used as the FMI agent. In the PDT simulation, Upconversion nanoparticles-Quantum dots-Rose bengal (UCQR) which was a PDT agent with upconversion capabilities was used.

METHODS

The feasibility of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment using our proposed method is evaluated through Monte Carlo simulations of exact light transport through a realistic breast model in the prone position. Monte Carlo modeling in voxelized media was performed. Fluorescence propagation from the tumor and the amount of singlet oxygen produced within the tumor were estimated from the calculated fluence. Next, the effects of tumor diameter and depth from the skin surface on the simulation results were evaluated.

RESULTS

The simulation results showed successful detection of tumors with diameters of 5-9 mm in the 15-25 mm depth region, where tumors are commonly found. Furthermore, simulations have estimated that those tumors can be completely treated by PDT with less than ten light irradiations.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that fluorescent molecular imaging-guided photodynamic therapy may be a potential treatment for early-stage breast cancer. Our method would be more suitable than the conventional method for young women who are at higher risk of radiation exposure effects.

Self-Applied Daylight Photodynamic Therapy: A Paradigm Shift?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the topical application of a photosensitizer and its activation by visible light, leading to the generation of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) and reactive oxygen species. Daylight photodynamic therapy (dPDT), a variant utilizing natural sunlight as the energy source, enhances procedural flexibility by eliminating the need for specialized equipment. dPDT has been effectively used in dermatology to treat various cutaneous disorders, including neoplastic and infectious diseases. Traditionally, skin preparation and photosensitizer application are performed by trained practitioners, limiting the accessibility of dPDT for broader populations. However, recent studies suggest that these preparatory steps can be managed by patients or caregivers, enabling fully self-applied, home-based dPDT protocols. This review systematically examines the current evidence on self-applied dPDT (SA-dPDT), emphasizing molecular mechanisms and its efficacy in managing premalignant and other cutaneous conditions.

Assessment of therapeutic response to photodynamic therapy with the Zn-Phthalocyanine RLP068/Cl versus topical Clindamycin in patients affected by Hidradenitis Suppurativa: a comparative clinical pilot study

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin disorder characterized by painful inflammatory nodules and abscesses, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Current treatment strategies, including topical antibiotics, often yield limited efficacy and pose risks of antibiotic resistance. Photodynamic therapy has emerged as a potential option, with RLP068/Cl (ELKOFAST®, non-sterile formulation) showing promising efficacy due to its broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. We conducted a pilot study assessing the therapeutic response to photodynamic therapy with RLP068/Cl versus topical clindamycin gel in patients affected by hidradenitis suppurativa of Hurley score I, II, and III. Results revealed higher efficacy of photodynamic therapy in combination with RLP068/Cl, particularly in mild cases. Its efficacy remains reliable even in more severe cases when combined with adalimumab. The observed faster lesion improvement and pain relief were ascribed to the bactericidal effects of RLP068/Cl against Gram+ and Gram- bacteria. Furthermore, photoactivated RLP068/Cl was well tolerated with no adverse events reported. Therefore, photodynamic therapy following RLP068/Cl application represents a novel therapeutic option for hidradenitis suppurativa with potential implications for antibiotic stewardship in dermatology.

Comparison of blue laser and red light-emitting diode-mediated aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy for moderate and severe acne vulgaris: A prospective, split-face, nonrandomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a highly effective and safe drug-device combination treatment, typically using red and blue light. However, direct comparisons of aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-based PDT using these two light sources are lacking. Therefore, we compared the efficacy and adverse effects of ALA-based 450 nm blue laser-mediated PDT (BL-PDT) and 630 ± 10 nm red light-emitting diode-mediated PDT (RL-PDT) in the treatment of moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris, including analyses of different lesion types.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris were recruited. All patients underwent BL-PDT on the left side of the face and RL-PDT on the right side. Treatments were administered thrice at 2-week intervals, and follow-up continued for 2 weeks after the final treatment. The average rates of improvement in inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions, IGA (Investigator's Global Assessment) scales, and IGA success rates were calculated. In addition, adverse effects during and after each treatment were recorded.

RESULTS

At the 2-week follow-up after the final treatment, the average rates of improvement in total acne, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory lesions were 48.0 %, 63.0 %, and 30.0 % in the BL-PDT group and 42.2 %, 58.1 %, and 27.5 % in the RL-PDT group, respectively. The IGA scores for the two groups decreased by 1.8 and 1.7 points, respectively, and the IGA success rate was 53.3 % in both groups. There were no significant differences between the BL-PDT and RL-PDT groups in any measure of effectiveness. However, the BL-PDT group exhibited more severe adverse effects, especially pain and hyperpigmentation.

CONCLUSIONS

BL-PDT and RL-PDT have similar efficacies in moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris and are particularly effective for inflammatory acne lesions. RL-PDT benefits from milder adverse effects than those of BL-PDT.

5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for chronic wound infection in rats with diabetes

Recent research indicated that ulcers and peripheral vascular disease resulting from drug-resistant bacterial infections are the main causes of delayed healing in chronic diabetic wounds. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a second-generation endogenous photosensitizer. The therapeutic effect and mechanism of ALA-mediated photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected wounds in diabetic rats were investigated in this study. The results revealed the promising antibacterial effects of ALA-PDT MRSA in vitro, with a minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of 250 and 500 μM, respectively. ALA-PDT also changed the permeability and structural integrity of bacterial cell membranes by producing reactive oxygen species. Meanwhile, ALA-PDT accelerated wound healing in MRSA-infected diabetic rats, with 5 % ALA-PDT achieving complete sterilization in 14 days and wound closure in 21 days. Treatment with 5 % ALA-PDT additionally improved the histopathological appearance of skin tissue, as well as fibrosis, inflammatory cytokine release, and angiogenesis-related protein expression. These findings indicated that ALA-PDT significantly promoted the healing of MRSA-infected wounds in diabetic rats by eliminating bacteria, inhibiting inflammation, generating granulation tissues, promoting neovascularization, and restoring damaged nerves. In addition, the healing mechanism was related to the activation of inflammatory and angiogenesis pathways through the regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 expression and upregulation of CD206, CD31, and VEGF. These findings underscored the potential role of ALA-PDT in promoting the healing of chronic diabetic wounds.

Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Bowen's Disease: A Review on Efficacy, Non-Invasive Treatment Monitoring, Tolerability, and Cosmetic Outcome

Bowen's disease represents the in situ form of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma; although it has an excellent prognosis, 3-5% of lesions progress to invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, with a higher risk in immunocompromised patients. Treatment is therefore always necessary, and conventional photodynamic therapy is a first-line option. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the clinical response, recurrence rates, safety, and cosmetic outcome of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of Bowen's disease, considering different protocols in terms of photosensitizers, light source, and combination treatments. Photodynamic therapy is a valuable option for tumors at sites where wound healing is poor/delayed, in the case of multiple and/or large tumors, and where surgery would be difficult or invasive. Dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy can be used as valuable tools for monitoring the therapeutic response. The treatment is generally well tolerated, with mild side effects, and is associated with a good/excellent cosmetic outcome. Periodic follow-up after photodynamic therapy is essential because of the risk of recurrence and progression to cSCC. As the incidence of keratinocyte tumors increases, the therapeutic space for photodynamic therapy will further increase.

Recent Advances in Chemistry, Mechanism, and Applications of Quantum Dots in Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapy

Semiconductor quantum dots (QD) are a kind of nanoparticle with unique optical properties that have attracted a lot of attention in recent years. In this paper, the characteristics of these nanoparticles and their applications in nanophototherapy have been reviewed. Phototherapy, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), has gained special importance because of its high accuracy and local treatment due to the activation of the drug at the tumor site. PDT is a new way of cancer treatment that is performed by activating light-sensitive compounds named photosensitizers (PS) by light. PSs cause the destruction of diseased tissue through the production of singlet oxygen. PTT is another non-invasive method that induces cell death through the conversion of near-infrared light (NIR) into heat in the tumor situation by the photothermal agent (PA). Through using energy transfer via the FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer) process, QDs provide light absorption wavelength for both methods and cover the optical weaknesses of phototherapy agents.

Photodynamic therapy in focal epithelial hyperplasia

Focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH) is an uncommon benign disorder affecting the oral mucosa. It is primarily associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and presents as multiple white or pink soft papules or nodules. Typically, FEH is asymptomatic. Conventional treatment approaches for FEH include topical medication, surgical excision, CO2 laser ablation, cryotherapy, etc., but their efficacy varies. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive and selective photochemotherapy method widely utilized in clinical practice. By employing specific light wavelengths to activate photosensitizers and induce the generation of reactive oxygen, PDT exerts cytotoxic effects. However, the application of PDT in treating FEH has not been previously documented. In this study, we present a case demonstrating the complete remission of FEH lesions using PDT, with no recurrence observed over a period of 9 months. This compelling outcome suggests that PDT may be a preferred treatment modality for FEH.

5-ALA-PDT induced ferroptosis in keloid fibroblasts via ROS, accompanied by downregulation of xCT, GPX4

Keloids display many cancerous properties, including uncontrolled and invasive growth, high rates of recurrence as well as similar bioenergetics. 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (5-ALA-PDT) is an effective treatment that performs cytotoxic effects by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is linked to lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Herein, we explored underlying mechanisms of 5-ALA-PDT against keloids. We identified that 5-ALA-PDT led to elevated levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation in keloid fibroblasts, accompanied by downregulation of xCT and GPX4, which are associated with anti-oxidation effects and ferroptosis inhibition. These results may indicate that 5-ALA-PDT treatment increases ROS while inhibiting xCT and GPX4, thus promoting lipid peroxidation to induce ferroptosis in keloid fibroblasts.

Alternative Non-Drug Treatment Options of the Most Neglected Parasitic Disease Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Narrative Review

With more than 12 million cases worldwide, leishmaniasis is one of the top 10 neglected tropical diseases. According to the WHO, there are approximately 2 million new cases each year in foci in around 90 countries, of which 1.5 million are cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a complex cutaneous condition that is caused by a variety of Leishmania species, including L. (Leishmania) major, L. (L) tropica, L. (L) aethiopica, L. (L) mexicana, L. (Viannia) braziliensis, and L. (L) amazonensis. The disease imposes a significant burden on those who are affected since it typically results in disfiguring scars and extreme social stigma. There are no vaccines or preventive treatments available, and chemotherapeutic medications, including antimonials, amphotericin B, miltefosine, paromomycin, pentamidine, and antifungal medications, have a high price tag, a significant risk of developing drug resistance, and a variety of systemic toxicities. To work around these limitations, researchers are continuously looking for brand-new medications and other forms of therapy. To avoid toxicity with systemic medication use, high cure rates have been observed using local therapy techniques such as cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and thermotherapy, in addition to some forms of traditional therapies, including leech and cauterization therapies. These CL therapeutic strategies are emphasized and assessed in this review to help with the process of locating the appropriate species-specific medicines with fewer side effects, lower costs, and elevated cure rates.

Microneedles: structure, classification, and application in oral cancer theranostics

Oral cancer is a malignant tumor that threatens the health of individuals on a global scale. Currently available clinical treatment methods, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, significantly impact the quality of life of patients with systemic side effects. In the treatment of oral cancer, local and efficient delivery of antineoplastic drugs or other substances (like photosensitizers) to improve the therapy effect is a potential way to optimize oral cancer treatments. As an emerging drug delivery system in recent years, microneedles (MNs) can be used for local drug delivery, offering the advantages of high efficiency, convenience, and noninvasiveness. This review briefly introduces the structures and characteristics of various types of MNs and summarizes MN preparation methods. An overview of the current research application of MNs in different cancer treatments is provided. Overall, MNs, as a means of transporting substances, demonstrate great potential in oral cancer treatments, and their promising future applications and perspectives of MNs are outlined in this review.

Potential Use of Brazilian Green Propolis Extracts as New Photosensitizers for Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy against Cariogenic Microorganisms

The synergic effect of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans increases dental caries severity. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a non-invasive treatment for antimicrobial aspects. However, the current photosensitizers (PS) have many downsides for dental applications. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of two different Brazilian green propolis (BGP-AF and BGP-AG) as PS for aPDT against these microorganisms. A single-species biofilm was irradiated with crude extracts and their fractions and controls. Such extracts showed the best results and were evaluated in dual-species biofilms. Photodegradation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytotoxicity, and color stability assays were also investigated. Reductions higher than 3 log₁₀ CFU/mL (p < 0.0001) occurred for crude BGP in single- and dual-species biofilms. Singlet oxygen was produced in BGP (p < 0.0001). BGP-mediated aPDT delayed S. mutans and C. albicans regrowth after 24 h of treatment (p < 0.0001). Both BGP did not change the color of dental materials (p > 0.05). BGP-AF-mediated aPDT showed 72.41% of oral keratinocyte viability (p < 0.0001). BGP extracts may be used in aPDT against S. mutans and C. albicans. Specifically, BGP-AF may represent a promising PS for dental applications.

Multifunctional Nanoparticles as High-Efficient Targeted Hypericin System for Theranostic Melanoma

Biotin, spermine, and folic acid were covalently linked to the F127 copolymer to obtain a new drug delivery system designed for HY-loaded PDT treatment against B₁₆F₁₀ cells. Chemical structures and binders quantification were performed by spectroscopy and spectrophotometric techniques (¹NMR, HABA/Avidin reagent, fluorescamine assay). Critical micelle concentration, critical micelle temperature, size, polydispersity, and zeta potential indicate the hydrophobicity of the binders can influence the physicochemical parameters. Spermine-modified micelles showed fewer changes in their physical and chemical parameters than the F127 micelles without modification. Furthermore, zeta potential measurements suggest an increase in the physical stability of these carrier systems. The phototherapeutic potential was demonstrated using hypericin-loaded formulation against B₁₆F₁₀ cells, which shows that the combination of the binders on F127 copolymer micelles enhances the photosensitizer uptake and potentializes the photodynamic activity.

Blue light potentiates safety and bactericidal activity of p-Toluquinone

Fewer antibiotics are available for effective management of bacterial infections to date owing to increasing multiple-drug resistance (MDR). Here, we expand our early success in combination of 405 nm blue light irradiation with phenolic compounds to sufficiently kill blue light-refractory MDR Escherichia coli (E. coli). p-Toluquinone (p-TQ) alongside blue light inactivated 7.3 log₁₀E. coli within 6 min, whereas either alone was totally ineffective. A similar killing efficacy was attained with four other pathogens commonly seen in hospital-acquired infections and Enterococcus faecalis (Ef) that don't produce porphyrins-like molecules. The combinatory therapy prevented recurrence of E. coli infection in skin scratch wounds of murine. The bactericidal activity was ascribed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation triggered by blue light-mediated excitation of p-TQ, which is less likely to induce resistance because of multi-targeted and non-specific nature of ROS. Remarkably, toxic p-TQ became harmless to mammalian cells after brief exposure to blue light while retaining its bactericidal activity. The opposite effect of blue light on p-TQ activity unravels a novel, simple strategy to detoxify p-TQ and its combination with blue light as a safe and efficacious bactericidal modality for managing MDR bacterial infections.

Phthalocyanine and Its Formulations: A Promising Photosensitizer for Cervical Cancer Phototherapy

Cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Despite advances in current therapies, women with advanced or recurrent disease present poor prognosis. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as an effective therapeutic alternative to treat oncological diseases such as cervical cancer. Phthalocyanines (Pcs) are considered good photosensitizers (PS) for PDT, although most of them present high levels of aggregation and are lipophilic. Despite many investigations and encouraging results, Pcs have not been approved as PS for PDT of invasive cervical cancer yet. This review presents an overview on the pathophysiology of cervical cancer and summarizes the most recent developments on the physicochemical properties of Pcs and biological results obtained both in vitro in tumor-bearing mice and in clinical tests reported in the last five years. Current evidence indicates that Pcs have potential as pharmaceutical agents for anti-cervical cancer therapy. The authors firmly believe that Pc-based formulations could emerge as a privileged scaffold for the establishment of lead compounds for PDT against different types of cervical cancer.

Comparison of physical enhancement technologies in the skin permeation of methyl amino levulinic acid (mALA)

Physical drug delivery enhancement in skin has been shown to enhance cosmeceutical actives efficacy. Among the physical drug delivery enhancement technologies, microneedle is the most commercially successful technology. However, there are pros and cons like other physical enhancement technologies including variabilities in penetration depth and lack of efficacy. In this study, three physical topical dug delivery enhancements, elongated microparticles, microneedles and dermaroller, were applied to ex vivo pig skin and compared. The model topical drug that was used is 5-Aminolevulinic acid, the most commonly used photosensitiser prodrug. The skin was pre-treated before mounting on to Franz cell diffusion apparatus. Transdermal epidermal water loss was measured, and receptor fluids were collected at 7 time points for HPLC analysis. The results show that all three technologies disrupted the skin surface. All microporation pre-treatments significantly enhanced mALA cumulative permeation over 8 h (p < 0.001), with the 24x dermaroller significantly greater than 12x dermaroller (p < 0.001) and both dermaroller treatments significantly greater than microneedles and elongated microparticles (p < 0.05). The microporation pre-treatments all significantly increased mALA deposition in the stratum corneum and deeper skin tissues compared to passive administration, with deposition increases ranging from 3.6x to 15.1x that of passive administration. The DR pretreatment showed highest enhancement ratios (amount 5-Aminolevulinic acid in skin at 8 h following pretreatment v passive) with the following order of enhancement: 24x dermaroller > 12x dermaroller > microneedles > elongated microparticles. In conclusion, physical enhancement tools such as microneedles, dermarollers and elongated microparticles demonstrated significant penetration and retention of mALA through/into piglet skin. Further study is needed to determine the cost, dose and patient compliance.

Air-Filled Microbubbles Based on Albumin Functionalized with Gold Nanocages and Zinc Phthalocyanine for Multimodal Imaging

Microbubbles are intravascular contrast agents clinically used in diagnostic sonography, echocardiography, and radiology imaging applications. However, up to date, the idea of creating microbubbles with multiple functionalities (e.g., multimodal imaging, photodynamic therapy) remained a challenge. One possible solution is the modification of bubble shells by introducing specific compounds responsible for such functions. In the present work, air-core microbubbles with the shell consisting of bovine serum albumin, albumin-coated gold nanocages, and zinc phthalocyanine were prepared using the sonication method. Various physicochemical parameters such as stability over time, size, and concentration were investigated to prove the potential use of these microbubbles as contrast agents. This work shows that hybrid microbubbles have all the necessary properties for multimodal imaging (ultrasound, raster-scanning microscopy, and fluorescence tomography), which demonstrate superior characteristics for potential theranostic and related biomedical applications.

A prospective study of the effect of fire micro-needling plus 5% topical ALA-PDT for the treatment of dissecting cellulitis of the scalp

BACKGROUND

Different therapies have been used for dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) with poor results. Topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is effective for many inflammatory skin diseases.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fire micro-needling plus 5% ALA-PDT on DCS.

METHODS

Forty-two male DCS patients were enrolled and treated by four sessions of fire micro-needling plus 5% ALA-PDT (occlusion time: 3 h, 100 mW/cm² for 20-32 min, 633 ± 10 nm LED) with an interval of 1-2 weeks. The reduction of lesions was evaluated at each follow-up visit. The patients` symptoms were evaluated by Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). All of the side effects were recorded.

RESULTS

Forty-one DCS patients finished the treatments and the marked effective rate (MER) reached 65.85%. Ten patients (24.39%) were cured and 17 patients (41.46%) achieved excellent improvement. The median of lesion numbers decreased significantly from 25 to 7 (p < 0.001) with DLQI from 13 to 2 (p < 0.001). Although all the ten cured patients had a relapse during the 12-month follow-up, 5/10 patients had a remission of more than 6 months. All the patients tolerated PDT well with mild adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Fire micro-needling plus 5% ALA-PDT is effective for Chinese male DCS patients without the need to take systemic drugs.

A randomized split-face clinical trial of conventional vs indoor-daylight photodynamic therapy for the treatment of multiple actinic keratosis of the face and scalp and photoaging

BACKGROUND

Recently, indoor daylight photodynamic therapy (idl-PDT) has been developed; however, its efficacy and tolerability remain to be assessed.

OBJECTIVE

This is a not-inferiority study to compare treatment outcomes of cPDT with a red LED lamp and idlPDT with a polychromatic white LED lamp in adult patients affected by symmetrical AKs of face and/or scalp.

METHODS

In this comparative, intra-patient, split-face, randomized clinical trial forty-three adult patients were enrolled. Two contralateral and symmetrical target areas of the face and/or scalp harboring at least 5 AKs were selected and randomized 1:1 to treatment with cPDT and idlPDT. The AKs number and cumulative area were assessed at baseline (T0). Efficacy and cosmetic outcome were assessed 3 months after treatment (T1).

RESULTS

Total AKs number and area reduced significantly with both idlPDT (p < .0001) and cPDT (p < .0001) in comparison to baseline. cPDT was more painful (p < .0001) and induced a more severe inflammation (p < .0001). Twenty-nine patients (70.7%) gave their overall preference to idlPDT (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

idlPDT may represent an alternative treatment protocol to cPDT for in-office treatment of AKs patients with better tolerability and a not inferior efficacy.

Development of Antimicrobial Laser-Induced Photodynamic Therapy Based on Ethylcellulose/Chitosan Nanocomposite with 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(m-Hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin

The development of new antimicrobial strategies that act more efficiently than traditional antibiotics is becoming a necessity to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens. Here we report the efficacy of laser-light-irradiated 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(m-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin (mTHPP) loaded onto an ethylcellulose (EC)/chitosan (Chs) nanocomposite in eradicating multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Surface loading of the ethylcelllose/chitosan composite with mTHPP was carried out and the resulting nanocomposite was fully characterized. The results indicate that the prepared nanocomposite incorporates mTHPP inside, and that the composite acquired an overall positive charge. The incorporation of mTHPP into the nanocomposite enhanced the photo- and thermal stability. Different laser wavelengths (458; 476; 488; 515; 635 nm), powers (5-70 mW), and exposure times (15-45 min) were investigated in the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) experiments, with the best inhibition observed using 635 nm with the mTHPP EC/Chs nanocomposite for C. albicans (59 ± 0.21%), P. aeruginosa (71.7 ± 1.72%), and S. aureus (74.2 ± 1.26%) with illumination of only 15 min. Utilization of higher doses (70 mW) for longer periods achieved more eradication of microbial growth.

Viral Nanoparticle System: An Effective Platform for Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising therapy due to its efficiency and accuracy. The photosensitizer is delivered to the target lesion and locally activated. Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) have been explored as delivery vehicles for PDT in recent years because of their favorable properties, including simple manufacture and good safety profile. They have great potential as drug delivery carriers in medicine. Here, we review the development of PDT photosensitizers and discuss applications of VNP-mediated photodynamic therapies and the performance of VNPs in the treatment of tumor cells and antimicrobial therapy. Furthermore, future perspectives are discussed for further developing novel viral nanocarriers or improving existing viral vectors.

Non-Oncologic Applications of Nanomedicine-Based Phototherapy

Phototherapy is widely applied to various human diseases. Nanomedicine-based phototherapy can be classified into photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). Activated photosensitizer kills the target cells by generating radicals or reactive oxygen species in PDT while generating heat in PTT. Both PDT and PTT have been employed for treating various diseases, from preclinical to randomized controlled clinical trials. However, there are still hurdles to overcome before entering clinical practice. This review provides an overview of nanomedicine-based phototherapy, especially in non-oncologic diseases. Multiple clinical trials were undertaken to prove the therapeutic efficacy of PDT in dermatologic, ophthalmologic, cardiovascular, and dental diseases. Preclinical studies showed the feasibility of PDT in neurologic, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and musculoskeletal diseases. A few clinical studies of PTT were tried in atherosclerosis and dry eye syndrome. Although most studies have shown promising results, there have been limitations in specificity, targeting efficiency, and tissue penetration using phototherapy. Recently, nanomaterials have shown promising results to overcome these limitations. With advanced technology, nanomedicine-based phototherapy holds great potential for broader clinical practice.

Microneedle Arrays Combined with Nanomedicine Approaches for Transdermal Delivery of Therapeutics

Organic and inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have shown promising outcomes in transdermal drug delivery. NPs can not only enhance the skin penetration of small/biomacromolecule therapeutic agents but can also impart control over drug release or target impaired tissue. Thanks to their unique optical, photothermal, and superparamagnetic features, NPs have been also utilized for the treatment of skin disorders, imaging, and biosensing applications. Despite the widespread transdermal applications of NPs, their delivery across the stratum corneum, which is the main skin barrier, has remained challenging. Microneedle array (MN) technology has recently revealed promising outcomes in the delivery of various formulations, especially NPs to deliver both hydrophilic and hydrophobic therapeutic agents. The present work reviews the advancements in the application of MNs and NPs for an effective transdermal delivery of a wide range of therapeutics in cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, peptide/protein vaccination, and the gene therapy of various diseases. In addition, this paper provides an overall insight on MNs' challenges and summarizes the recent achievements in clinical trials with future outlooks on the transdermal delivery of a wide range of nanomedicines.

Synthesis of novel nicotinamide susbstituted phthalocyanine and photodynamic antomicrobial chemotherapy evaluation potentiated by potassium iodide against the gram positive S. aureus and gram negative E. coli

In the present work, we propose the synthesis of novel nicotinamide subsituted phthlocyanine photosensitizer (PS) and characterized by FTIR, UV-visible, H-NMR and MALDI Toff spectroscopy. Nicotinamide plays a vital rule in the central nervous system and its potential as a therapeutic for neurodegenerative disease. Nicotinamide substituted PS (3) efficiently produced ROS via type-1 process as measured by DCF assay. We observed that our PS after red light illumination (22 J/cm²) killed gram positive S. aureus upto 3 log reduction. Furher the addition of Potassium Iodide (100 mM) significantly potentiated PS at lower concentrations and enhanced the bacterial killing upto 6 log reduction against the S. aureus. We further found that the synergistic effect of PS and KI also eradicated the gram negative E. coli strain at lower concentraion of PS and found to killed E. coli upto 5 log reduction under the red light illumination at 22 J/cm² of light dose. The conjugation of such biologically important form of vitamin B₃ with PS would be a great addition and could pav the way for the novel photodynamic agent in the treatement of cancer and infectious diseases. A new symmetrical Nicotinamide tetrasubstituted zinc phthalocyanine (3) was synthesized. Upon addition of potassium Iodide with PS, the PS exhibited significant photodynamic activity with 5-6 logs reduction in bacterial load was achieved.

In Vitro Bioeffects of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Microcapsules Post-Loaded with Water-Soluble Cationic Photosensitizer

Microencapsulation and targeted delivery of cytotoxic and antibacterial agents of photodynamic therapy (PDT) improve the treatment outcomes for infectious diseases and cancer. In many cases, the loss of activity, poor encapsulation efficiency, and inadequate drug dosing hamper the success of this strategy. Therefore, the development of novel and reliable microencapsulated drug formulations granting high efficacy is of paramount importance. Here we report the in vitro delivery of a water-soluble cationic PDT drug, zinc phthalocyanine choline derivative (Cholosens), by biodegradable microcapsules assembled from dextran sulfate (DS) and poly-l-arginine (PArg). A photosensitizer was loaded in pre-formed [DS/PArg]4 hollow microcapsules with or without exposure to heat. Loading efficacy and drug release were quantitatively studied depending on the capsule concentration to emphasize the interactions between the DS/PArg multilayer network and Cholosens. The loading data were used to determine the dosage for heated and intact capsules to measure their PDT activity in vitro. The capsules were tested using human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) and normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cell lines, and two bacterial strains, Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Our results provide compelling evidence that encapsulated forms of Cholosens are efficient as PDT drugs for both eukaryotic cells and bacteria at specified capsule-to-cell ratios.

A Critical Reappraisal of Off-Label Use of Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Non-Neoplastic Skin Conditions

BACKGROUND

In the past 30 years, topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been investigated for the treatment of a broad spectrum of cosmetic, inflammatory, and infectious skin conditions with variable, and often contrasting, results. However, the non-expert clinician may be in difficulty evaluating these results because different sensitizers, concentrations, formulations, light sources, and irradiation protocols have been used. In addition, many of these studies have poor quality design being case reports and uncontrolled studies of few cases.

SUMMARY

With the aim to clarify the potential usefulness of PDT for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory skin diseases as well as selected cosmetic indications, we searched for randomized controlled clinical trials, non-randomized comparative studies, retrospective studies, and case series studies with a number of at least 10 patients, published since 1990. Later, we reappraised the results in order to give a simple critical overview. Key Messages: Evidence from the literature seems to strongly support the use of ALA- and MAL-PDT for the treatment of common skin diseases such as acne, warts, condylomata, and Leishmania skin infection and for photorejuvenation, i.e., the correction of selected cosmetic changes of aging and photoaging. For other disorders, the level of evidence and strength of recommendation are lower, and controlled randomized studies with prolonged follow-ups are necessary in order to assess the clinical usefulness and other potential advantages over current treatment options.

Selective photodynamic effects on cervical cancer cells provided by P123 Pluronic®-based nanoparticles modulating hypericin delivery

At present, cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer among women worldwide with no effective treatment options. In this study we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hypericin (HYP) encapsulated on Pluronic® P123 (HYP/P123) photodynamic therapy (PDT) in a comprehensive panel of human cervical cancer-derived cell lines, including HeLa (HPV 18-positive), SiHa (HPV 16-positive), CaSki (HPV 16 and 18-positive), and C33A (HPV-negative), compared to a nontumorigenic human epithelial cell line (HaCaT). Were investigated: (i) cell cytotoxicity and phototoxicity, cellular uptake and subcellular distribution; (ii) cell death pathway and cellular oxidative stress; (iii) migration and invasion. Our results showed that HYP/P123 micelles had effective and selective time- and dose-dependent phototoxic effects on cervical cancer cells but not in HaCaT. Moreover, HYP/P123 micelles accumulated in endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and lysosomes, resulting in photodynamic cell death mainly by necrosis. HYP/P123 induced cellular oxidative stress mainly via type II mechanism of PDT and inhibited cancer cell migration and invasion mainly via MMP-2 inhibition. Taken together, our results indicate a potentially useful role of HYP/P123 micelles as a platform for HYP delivery to more specifically and effectively treat cervical cancers through PDT, suggesting they are worthy for in vivo preclinical evaluations.

Oxidative Stress and Photodynamic Therapy of Skin Cancers: Mechanisms, Challenges and Promising Developments

Ultraviolet radiation is one of the most pervasive environmental interactions with humans. Chronic ultraviolet irradiation increases the danger of skin carcinogenesis. Probably, oxidative stress is the most important mechanism by which ultraviolet radiation implements its damaging effects on normal cells. However, notwithstanding the data referring to the negative effects exerted by light radiation and oxidative stress on carcinogenesis, both factors are used in the treatment of skin cancer. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) consists of the administration of a photosensitiser, which undergoes excitation after suitable irradiation emitted from a light source and generates reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress causes a condition in which cellular components, including DNA, proteins, and lipids, are oxidised and injured. Antitumor effects result from the combination of direct tumour cell photodamage, the destruction of tumour vasculature and the activation of an immune response. In this review, we report the data present in literature dealing with the main signalling molecular pathways modified by oxidative stress after photodynamic therapy to target skin cancer cells. Moreover, we describe the progress made in the design of anti-skin cancer photosensitisers, and the new possibilities of increasing the efficacy of PDT via the use of molecules capable of developing a synergistic antineoplastic action.

Construction of microneedle-assisted co-delivery platform and its combining photodynamic/immunotherapy

Despite advances in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treating superficial tumor, the prospect of this monotherapy remains challenges in the context of systemic phototoxicity and poor efficacy. In this work, a physiologically self-degradable microneedle (MN)-assisted platform is developed for combining PDT and immunotherapy via controlled co-delivery of photosensitizer (PS) and checkpoint inhibitor anti-CTLA4 antibody (aCTLA4), which generates synergistic reinforcement outcome while reducing side effects. MN is composed of biocompatible hyaluronic acid integrated with the pH-sensitive dextran nanoparticles, which is fabricated to simultaneously encapsulate hydrophobic (Zinc Phthalocyanine) and hydrophilic agents (aCTLA4) via a double emulsion method. This co-loading carrier can aggregate effectively around topical tumor by microneedle-assisted transdermal delivery. In vivo studies using 4T1 mouse models, PDT firstly exerts its effect to killing tumor and triggers the immune responses, subsequently, facilitating the immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (aCTLA4). The possible mechanism and systemic effects of the combined therapy are investigated, which demonstrate that this co-administration platform can be a promising tool for focal cancer treatment.

Anti-inflammatory effect of photodynamic therapy using guaiazulene and red lasers on peripheral blood mononuclear cells

INTRODUCTION

Photodynamic therapy improves oral mucositis treatment. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from this reaction could contribute to an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing inflammatory cells.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of photodynamic therapy using guaiazulene and a red laser in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

METHODS

Guaiazulene solutions (1, 2, 5, 25, 35, and 100 μM in 99.8 % methanol) were irradiated with red laser light (625 nm, 146.2 mW/cm²) in continuous mode at 0, 4, and 8 J/cm² in black 96-well plates. ROS were measured using spin trapping technique with electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and fluorescence. The two highest concentrations were tested using cell viability (PrestoBlue®) and anti-inflammation (RANTES and PGE₂ ELISA) assay kits. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn Bonferroni tests were used for statistical analyses with significant differences at p-value < 0.05.

RESULTS

Guaiazulene solutions between 2 and 5 μM exposed to red laser light at 4-8 J/cm² generated significantly more singlet oxygen compared to the no guaiazulene group (p < 0.01) and reduced RANTES and PGE₂ levels in TNF-α-inflamed peripheral blood mononuclear cells without affecting cell viability.

CONCLUSION

Photodynamic activation of guaiazulene generated singlet oxygen and suppressed inflammatory markers in PBMCs.

Antifungal photodynamic activities of phthalocyanine derivatives on Candida albicans

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in the treatment of infectious diseases worldwide. Candida albicans is one of the most virulent and common species of fungi to cause invasive fungal infections on humans. Alternative treatment strategies, including photodynamic therapy, are needed for controlling these infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal photodynamic activities of phthalocyanine derivatives on C. albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of compounds were determined by the broth microdilution method. Uptake of the compounds in C. albicans and dark toxicity of the compounds were also investigated. Photodynamic inhibition of growth experiments was performed by measuring the colony-forming unit/mL (CFU/mL) of the strain. Maximum uptake into the cells was observed in the presence of 64 μg/mL concentration for each compound except for ZnPc. Compounds did not show dark toxicity/inhibitory effects at sub-MIC concentrations on C. albicans when compared to the negative control groups. Zn(II)Pc, ZnPc, and ZnPc-TiO₂ showed fungicidal effect after irradiation with the light dose of 90 J/cm² in the presence of the compounds. In addition to the fungicidal effects, SubPc, SubPc-TiO₂, Es-SiPc, and Es-SubPc compounds were also found to have inhibitory effects on the growth of yeast cells after irradiation.

Photodynamic therapy in wound healing in vivo: a systematic review

Wounds constitute severe problems in public health. Inappropriate manipulation to promote wound healing and indiscriminate use of antibiotics may contribute to failure in wound treatment, leading to bacterial growth and resistance. Appropriate and correct approaches to wound treatment are crucially important. Further, the development of new and effective treatment modalities is important to decrease infection-related mortality and to reduce patient suffering and side effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) could be a promising approach to ameliorate this global health problem. We researched articles that used PDT in wound healing in vivo. The systematic review included articles that investigated the effect of PDT on wound healing in animals, published from May 2008 through 2018, in the databases PubMed and Web of Science. The main types of wounds described in the selected articles were burns, abrasions, and excisional wounds. Most of the studies tested PDT in wounds infected by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus standard strain, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The studies demonstrated that PDT contributes in several ways to the wound healing process, such as killing bacterial cells and stimulating the proliferation of fibroblasts and consequently of collagen and elastin. Based on these studies, PDT provided excellent results for the wound healing process, acting in several steps and accelerating tissue repair. PDT has proven to be a promising therapeutic modality, able to inhibit bacterial regrowth or kill bacteria, contributing significantly to accelerate the wound healing process.

Enhanced Antitumor Efficacy and Imaging Application of Photosensitizer-Formulated Paclitaxel

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a widely used anticancer drug that works by inhibiting microtubule disassembly. PTX safety was greatly enhanced by embedding it with human albumin. Here, we study the synergistic effects of PTX with photodynamic therapy (PDT) both in vitro and in vivo by constructing photosensitizer-PTX nanotheranostics (PPNTs). PPNTs were fabricated via noncovalent hydrophobic interactions and π-π stacking between an amphipathic photosensitizer and PTX with an average diameter of ∼80 nm, and these showed high stability in biological conditions. In a tumor-bearing mouse model, PPNTs were shown to accumulate at the tumor site based on three-dimensional fluorescence tomographic imaging. Under 680 nm light irradiation, PPNTs exhibited a superior solid tumor ablation effect in a mouse model, with a dose of PTX (0.2 mg/kg) that is 10-fold lower than that typically used. Mechanistically, PPNTs induced a strong apoptotic response in cells under light illumination and showed an increased antitumor efficacy that is 47.2-fold and 57.6-fold higher than that of the photosensitizer nanoparticles (PNTs) and free PTX, respectively. In addition, PPNTs showed enhanced cellular uptake with focused mitochondria and lysosome colocalization compared to that of PNTs and the amount of PTX delivered in PPNTs was sufficient to induce cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. These findings indicated that the current combination therapy has advantages over monotherapy in promoting tumor regression and ultimately achieving tumor elimination.

Optimization of optical parameters for improved photodynamic therapy of Staphylococcus aureus using endogenous coproporphyrin III

BACKGROUND

It has recently been shown that endogenous photosensitization of Gram-positive bacteria is achieved through the accumulation of the heme precursor coproporphyrin III and not protoporphyrin IX, as was previously assumed. As previous studies have operated under this assumption, the efficacy of optimal targeting of the absorption peaks of coproporphyrin III has not been explored.

METHODS

Staphylococcus aureus was endogenously photosensitized through the addition of either the small molecule VU0038882, aminolevulinic acid, or both. The efficacy of five different LEDs whose wavelengths target different coproporphyrin III absorption peaks were determined in vitro. Based on these in vitro measurements, the effectiveness of utilizing these LEDs to treat a skin infection was predicted using a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fluence rates and resulting bacterial reductions as a function of depth.

RESULTS

Optimal targeting of the Soret band provided a 4.7-log improvement as compared to previously utilized wavelengths. Activation of the Q-bands was found to provide similar cytotoxic effects but required significantly larger doses of light. Despite near sterilization in vitro, it was predicted that Soret band targeted light would only provide at least a 2 log-reduction up to 430 μm into the skin while Q-band targeted light could remain effective up to 1 mm in depth. Multiplexing these different wavelengths was found to provide a further 0.5-1.0 log-reduction in bacterial viability.

CONCLUSIONS

Accurate targeting of coproporphyrin III has shown that endogenous photodynamic therapy has the potential to be further developed into an effective treatment of skin and soft tissue infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria.

Impact of red versus blue light on tolerability and efficacy of PDT: a randomized controlled trial

Various light sources may be used for photodynamic therapy of actinic keratosis since photosensitizing agents are activated by different wavelengths. However, the relative impact of red and blue light irradiation on the efficacy and tolerability of therapy is controversial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of therapy with red versus blue light sources, as well as the patients' evaluation of cosmetic results, clinical response, painfulness and preferred light source for future photodynamic treatments.

METHODS

This is a prospective, single-center, randomized, controlled, open-label study with 28 patients undergoing elective photodynamic therapy.

RESULTS

Red and blue light sources both showed very good results with a complete response rate of 84 % and 85 % respectively. Pain during photodynamic therapy was 6.1 vs. 5.4 (and 2.1 vs. 1.5 eight hours after therapy) on the visual analogue scale. Although these differences were statistically significant, the clinical relevance is low, since the number of therapy interruptions were equally distributed in both groups, and patients' subjective evaluation of the treatment showed no personal preference towards the light sources.

CONCLUSION

Both light sources showed very good clinical results and satisfactory tolerability in this study.

Understanding Keloid Pathobiology From a Quasi-Neoplastic Perspective: Less of a Scar and More of a Chronic Inflammatory Disease With Cancer-Like Tendencies

Keloids are considered as benign fibroproliferative skin tumors growing beyond the site of the original dermal injury. Although traditionally viewed as a form of skin scarring, keloids display many cancer-like characteristics such as progressive uncontrolled growth, lack of spontaneous regression and extremely high rates of recurrence. Phenotypically, keloids are consistent with non-malignant dermal tumors that are due to the excessive overproduction of collagen which never metastasize. Within the remit of keloid pathobiology, there is increasing evidence for the various interplay of neoplastic-promoting and suppressing factors, which may explain its aggressive clinical behavior. Amongst the most compelling parallels between keloids and cancer are their shared cellular bioenergetics, epigenetic methylation profiles and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition amongst other disease biological (genotypic and phenotypic) behaviors. This review explores the quasi-neoplastic or cancer-like properties of keloids and highlights areas for future study.

Continuous Optical Monitoring of Red Blood Cells During a Photosensitization Reaction

Background: An oxygen-enriched photosensitizer solution was created by the addition of red blood cells (RBCs) as an investigative tool for photosensitization reactions (PRs). Although the oxygen levels and reaction progress can be monitored using the optical characteristics of hemoglobin, previously this has only been done using intermittent measurements. An increase in methemoglobin concentration with irradiation time was reported. Objective: We constructed a continuous optical measurement system to study the dynamics of the PR in a photosensitizer solution containing RBCs. We also measured the relationship between hemolysis and methemoglobin production in the solution. Materials and methods: A 664 nm wavelength continuous laser beam at 60 mW/cm² was used to drive the PR, and a broadband (475-650 nm) light beam was used to monitor the absorption spectra during the PR. The light sources were arranged perpendicularly to cross at a 1 × 10 mm cuvette. The sample in this cuvette was prepared from a low-hematocrit rabbit RBC suspension medium containing 30 μg/mL talaporfin sodium, a chlorine photosensitizer. The concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, and methemoglobin were obtained using a multiple regression analysis of the measured spectra. Results: The oxygen saturation decreased continuously during the PR. The relationship between the degree of hemolysis and produced methemoglobin concentration was confirmed. Conclusions: We determined the dynamics of the oxidation and oxygen desorption of hemoglobin, as well as RBC hemolysis, during the PR. Our measurement system, which uses the properties of hemoglobin contained in RBCs, might be useful for continuous monitoring of PR dynamics.

Photodynamic therapy activated by intense pulsed light in the treatment of actinic keratosis

BACKGROUND

Actinic keratosis (AK), a hyperkeratotic lesion induced by solar exposure, is the precancerous lesion that most frequently develops into squamous cell carcinoma. Cryotherapy, topical fluorouracil 5, topical diclofenac 3% gel and, more recently, ingenol mebutate are used in addition to surgery. However, these treatments have varying degrees of effectiveness and are not always tolerated due to side effects. In recent years, photodynamic therapy (PDT), has asserted itself as a new effective and safe method for the treatment of actinic keratoses with almost no side effects. The aim of this study is to verify whether a third treatment may now be added to the "Conventional -PDT" and "Daylight-PDT": PhotoDynamic Therapy activated by Intense Pulsed Light (IPL-PDT).

METHODS

Thirty-one patients, 24 males and 7 females, in most cases elderly, were included in the trial. As in the previous methods, also in IPL-PDT, 5-methylaminolevulinic acid (MAL) was applied topically for a period of 3 hours. Thereafter, the occlusive dressing and the topical cream, were removed and the neoformation was irradiated with IPL, with a 640 nm filter with variable power. Irradiation was performed in single or multiple sessions, depending on the type of keratosis, to completely cover the lesion and the apparently healthy surrounding areas, i.e. the cancerization field.

RESULTS

Results were evaluated 3, 6 and 9 months after treatment. Treatment achieved a 95% complete clearance rate, with a 5% partial relapse, 9 months after the last treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The above method is a valid alternative to methods already in use. The results obtained demonstrate the efficacy and tolerability of the treatment described which, due to its versatility and speed of use, is preferable to the methods used so far.

Selective Photodynamic Effects on Breast Cancer Cells Provided by p123 Pluronic®- Based Nanoparticles Modulating Hypericin Delivery

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most relevant type of cancer and the second cause of cancer- related deaths among women in general. Currently, there is no effective treatment for breast cancer although advances in its initial diagnosis and treatment are available. Therefore, the value of novel anti-tumor therapeutic modalities remains an immediate unmet need in clinical practice. Following our previous work regarding the properties of the Pluronics with different photosensitizers (PS) for photodynamic therapy (PDT), in this study we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of supersaturated hypericin (HYP) encapsulated on Pluronic® P123 (HYP/P123) against breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and non-tumorigenic breast cells (MCF-10A).

METHODS

Cell internalization and subcellular distribution of HYP/P123 was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. The phototoxicity and citototoxicity of HYP/P123 was assessed by trypan blue exclusion assay in the presence and absence of light. Long-term cytotoxicity was performed by clonogenic assay. Cell migration was determined by the wound-healing assay. Apoptosis and necrosis assays were performed by annexin VFITC/ propidium Iodide (PI) by fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

Our results showed that HYP/P123 micelles had high stability and high rates of binding to cells, which resulted in the selective internalization in MCF-7, indicating their potential to permeate the membrane of these cells. Moreover, HYP/P123 micelles accumulated in mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum organelles, resulting in the photodynamic cell death by necrosis. Additionally, HYP/P123 micelles showed effective and selective time- and dose dependent phototoxic effects on MCF-7 cells but little damage to MCF-10A cells. HYP/P123 micelles inhibited the generation of cellular colonies, indicating a possible capability to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer. We also demonstrated that HYP/P123 micelles inhibit the migration of tumor cells, possibly by decreasing their ability to form metastases.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the results presented here indicate a potentially useful role of HYP/P123 micelles as a platform for HYP delivery to more specifically and effectively treat human breast cancers through photodynamic therapy, suggesting they are worthy for in vivo preclinical evaluations.

Randomized clinical trial testing the efficacy and safety of 0.5% colchicine cream versus photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate in the treatment of skin field cancerization: study protocol

Background

The primary clinical manifestation of skin field cancerization is the presence of actinic keratoses (AKs). Current treatments for AKs related to skin field cancerization include photodynamic therapy (PDT) and colchicine. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 0.5% colchicine cream versus PDT with methyl aminolevulinate (MAL-PDT) in the treatment of skin field cancerization.

Methods

In a randomized controlled and open clinical trial with a blind histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis, 36 patients with up to 10 AKs on their forearms will be included from the outpatient clinic. The forearms will be randomized into two groups, clinically evaluated and biopsied for histopathology and immunohistochemistry (p53 and Ki67). One forearm will be treated with 0.5% colchicine cream for 10 days, and the other forearm will receive one session of MAL-PDT; the forearms will subsequently be reassessed clinically and histologically after 60 days (T60) of treatment. The primary endpoint will be the point of complete clearance of AKs in T60. The sample size will enable a detection in the reduction of over 10% in AK counts between the groups with power of 0.9 and an alpha of 0.05, accounting for an estimated dropout rate of 10%, resulting in 36 patients (72 forearms). All participants included in the randomized study will be part of the analysis, and the final outcomes of any dropouts will be the value of their last visit (LOCF). The statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS 22.0, and a p value < 5% will be considered to be significant.

Discussion

It is expected that colchicine will be superior to MAL-PDT in reducing AKs and in the skin field cancerization, and there will be good tolerability in both groups. Colchicine intervention is novel in that it provides a new alternative to MAL-PDT. Moreover, this drug is inexpensive that may be a potential treatment of skin field cancerization that can be prescribed in public health systems with good results.

Trial registration

The trial is registered in Brazilian Registry for Clinical Trials (Registration number: RBR-8y3sj9, date assigned May 4, 2016, retrospectively registered).

Daylight photodynamic therapy: experience in the treatment of actinic keratosis in the San Gallicano Institute (Rome) and a review of literature

BACKGROUND

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a photo-induced skin lesion. It has been considered by several authors as in-situ squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), that can evolve to invasive SCC (iSCC). Given the malignant potential and because it is impossible predict which AK will evolve in iSCC, it is necessary to treat each lesion. Multiple therapeutic approaches have been described to treat AKs. In addition to the topical drugs, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become an established therapeutic modality for grade I and II of AKs of face and scalp. Recently the daylight photo-dynamic therapy (DL-PDT) has found extensive use in the care of the AK and in the field cancerization.

METHODS

The study included 101 patients, 90 males and 11 females, mean age 71, phototype I-II, with multiple AK I and II of the face and the scalp, treated with DL-PDT. Patients were clinically evaluated for 3 months. The aim of this study was to show our experience in Daylight Photodynamic Therapy, to confirm the validity in term of efficacy and safety of DL-PDT for I and II AK of face and scalp and to underline the patient's higher satisfaction for this type of treatment and his availability to be retreated with the DL-PDT.

RESULTS

The efficacy was complete in 16 patients (15.8%), in 71 patients (70.3%) was much improved or improved and only in 14 (13.9%) subjects were minimal, while nobody had worsened or changed. The majority of patients (84.2%) patients were satisfied of the efficacy as well of the cosmetic results, only 15 (14.9%) were low satisfied and one patient was not satisfied.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that the DL-PDT is a good alternative to c-PDT for the treatment of grade I and II AK of the face and scalp and in Rome, as in Southern Europe, it is possible to perform the DL-PDT in almost every month of year.

Contribution of photodynamic therapy in wound healing: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

We researched articles that used photodynamic therapy (PDT) for skin wound healing in humans.

METHODS

The systematic review was conducted through scientific articles that investigated the action of PDT on wound healing in humans, published from July 2005 to March 2017, in the data bases PubMed and LILACS.

RESULTS

The main types of wound described in selected articles in this review were chronic ulcer and non-melanoma skin cancer. For accomplishing the PDT, second generation of photosensitizing agents with laser or light emitting diode were used. The studies demonstrated that PDT contribute in several ways to the wound healing process: leading to cellular death; reducing or increasing inflammation; stimulating fibroblasts proliferation and, consequently, of collagen and elastin; raising transforming growth factor beta and metalloproteinases. Based on this, PDT provided good results in wound healing process, acting in several steps and accelerating tissue repair.

CONCLUSIONS

PDT improved healing in many wound models in humans, revealing itself as a promising therapeutic modality for stimulating wound healing and remodelling.

Specific Targeting of Melanotic Cells with Peptide Ligated Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy

A strategy combining covalent conjugation of photosensitizers to a peptide ligand directed to the melanocortin 1 (MC1) receptor with the application of sequential LED light dosage at near-IR wavelengths was developed to achieve specific cytotoxicity to melanocytes and melanoma (MEL) with minimal collateral damage to surrounding cells such as keratinocytes (KER). The specific killing of melanotic cells by targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) described in this study holds promise as a potentially effective adjuvant therapeutic method to control benign skin hyperpigmentation or superficial melanotic malignancy such as Lentigo Maligna Melanoma (LMM).

Bactericidal Effect of Photodynamic Therapy, Alone or in Combination with Mupirocin or Linezolid, on Staphylococcus aureus

Antibiotic treatments frequently fail due to the development of antibiotic resistance, underscoring the need for new treatment strategies. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) could constitute an alternative therapy. In bacterial suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus, which is commonly implicated in cutaneous and mucosal infections, we evaluated the in vitro efficacy of aPDT, using the photosensitizing agents rose bengal (RB) or methylene blue (MB), alone or combined with the antibiotics mupirocin (MU) or linezolid (LN). RB or MB, at concentrations ranging from 0.03 to 10 μg/ml, were added to S. aureus ATCC 29213 suspensions containing >10⁸ cells/ml, in the absence or presence of MU or LN (1 or 10 μg/ml). Suspensions were irradiated with a white metal halide (λ 420–700 nm) or light-emitting diode lamp (λ 515 and λ 625 nm), and the number of viable bacteria quantified by counting colony-forming units (CFU) on blood agar. Addition of either antibiotic had no significant effect on the number of CFU/ml. By contrast, RB-aPDT and MB-aPDT effectively inactivated S. aureus, as evidenced by a 6 log₁₀ reduction in bacterial growth. In the presence of MU or LN, the same 6 log₁₀ reduction was observed in response to aPDT, but was achieved using significantly lower concentrations of the photosensitizers RB or MB. In conclusion, the combination of MU or LN and RB/MB-aPDT appears to exert a synergistic bactericidal effect against S. aureus in vitro.