Unusual photoinduced response of mTHPC liposomal formulation (Foslip).

Liposomal formulations of meso-tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (mTHPC) have already been proposed with the aim to optimize photodynamic therapy. Spectral modifications of these compounds upon irradiation have not yet been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate photobleaching properties of mTHPC encapsulated into dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes, Foslip.

Influence of incubation time and sensitizer localization on meta-tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (mTHPC)-induced photoinactivation of cells.

The present study addresses the impact of different aggregation states of meta-tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (mTHPC) on the photoinactivation of cells. Measurements of the photophysical properties of mTHPC in MCF-7 cells showed progressive sensitizer aggregation with increasing incubation time. Reconstructed absorption spectra of intracellular mTHPC showed a significant decrease in the molar extinction coefficient and broadening of the Soret band at 24 h incubation compared to 3 h.

Redistribution of Foscan from plasma proteins to model membranes.

Photodynamic therapy is a comparatively novel modality of tumours treatment that includes simultaneous action of photosensitizers, light and oxygen. Photosensitizer redistribution between plasma proteins and biomembranes define photosensitizers interaction with cells, their intracellular localization and kinetics of sensitizers accumulation in the tumour. Present study investigates the kinetics of Foscan release from plasma proteins to model membranes using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from label, covalently bound to protein, to sensitizer.

Investigation of Foscan interactions with plasma proteins.

The present study investigates the interaction of the second generation photosensitizer Foscan with plasma albumin and lipoproteins. Spectroscopic studies indicated the presence of monomeric and aggregated Foscan species upon addition to plasma protein solutions. Kinetics of Foscan disaggregation in albumin-enriched solutions were very sensitive to the protein concentration and incubation temperature.

Foscan-based photodynamic treatment in vivo: correlation between efficacy and Foscan accumulation in tumor, plasma and leukocytes.

The tumoricidal effect of Foscan-mediated photodynamic therapy may involve both vessel and tumor cell destruction. The relevant importance of each mechanism seems to be defined by the time interval between photosensitizer administration and illumination (drug-light interval, DLI). Short drug-light intervals favor vascular damage due to the preferential photosensitizer accumulation in the tumor vasculature, whereas long drug-light intervals trigger direct tumor cell damage due to the dye localization in the tumor.