Epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted photosensitizer selectively inhibits EGFR signaling and induces targeted phototoxicity in ovarian cancer cells.

Targeted photosensitizer delivery to EGFR-expressing cells was achieved in the present study using a high purity, targeted photoimmunoconjugate (PIC). When the PDT agent, benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring A (BPD) was coupled to an EGFR-targeting antibody (cetuximab), we observed altered cellular localization and selective phototoxicity of EGFR-positive cells, but no phototoxicity of EGFR-negative cells. Cetuximab in the PIC formulation blocked EGF-induced activation of the EGFR and downstream signaling pathways.

Intense pulse light and 5-ALA PDT: phototoxic effects in vitro depend on the spectral overlap with protoporphyrine IX but do not match cut-off filter notations.

Background And Objectives: Successful photodynamic therapy (PDT) requires a light source by which light is absorbed by the photosensitizer. Such absorption is achieved by adapting the emission spectrum of the lamp to the absorption-spectrum of the photosensitizer. Intense pulsed light sources (IPLs) are widely used in dermatology, but a standardized protocol for IPL-PDT is not available.

New aspects in photodynamic therapy of actinic keratoses.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or its methyl ester (MAL) is a very effective method to treat actinic keratosis (AK). New developments will contribute to optimization of this treatment modality. This will partly be based on a better understanding of the nature of AKs.

Fluorescence characteristics and pharmacokinetic properties of a novel self-adhesive 5-ALA patch for photodynamic therapy of actinic keratoses.

Actinic keratosis (AK) can be treated by photodynamic therapy (PDT), which is becoming a well-established tool in dermatology. Normally a precursor of the photosensitiser is applied topically and converted into protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) in the cells. By activating PPIX with light, the dysplastic cells will be destroyed.

Synergism of epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted immunotherapy with photodynamic treatment of ovarian cancer in vivo.

Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer often develops resistance to standard treatments, which is a major reason for the high mortality associated with the disease. We examined the efficacy of a treatment regimen that combines immunotherapy to block the activity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), overexpression of which is associated with the development of resistant ovarian cancer, and photodynamic therapy (PDT), a mechanistically distinct photochemistry-based modality that is effective against chemo- and radioresistant ovarian tumors.

Methods: We tested a combination regimen consisting of C225, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the receptor tyrosine kinase activity of EGFR, and benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid A (BPD)-based PDT in a mouse model of human ovarian cancer.