Investigating the efficiency of novel metallo-phthalocyanine PDT-induced cell death in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Background: Cancer cells possess an innate resistance to inducers of the death program. Novel phthalocyanines with improved physiochemical properties harbor the potential for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT); a rising treatment alternative preferred for its mostly asymptomatic application and unique mechanism of action.

Methods: This study aimed to determine whether in vitro PDT with two new metallo-phthalocyanines (metallo-Pcs), AlPcSmix and GePcSmix, are similarly effective in overcoming resistance to cell death in MCF-7 cells with a brief comparison to an established chemotherapeutic agent, etoposide.