Issue 35, 2022

Targeted cancer phototherapy using phthalocyanine–anticancer drug conjugates

Abstract

Phototherapy, the use of light to selectively ablate cancerous tissue, is a compelling prospect. Phototherapy is divided into two major domains: photodynamic and photothermal, whereby photosensitizer irradiation generates reactive oxygen species or heat, respectively, to disrupt the cancer microenvironment. Phthalocyanines (Pcs) are prominent phototherapeutics due to their desirable optical properties and structural versatility. Targeting of Pc photosensitizers historically relied on the enhanced permeation and retention effect, but the weak specificity engendered by this approach has hindered bench-to-clinic translation. To improve specificity, antibody and peptide active-targeting groups have been employed to some effect. An alternative targeting method exploits the binding of anticancer drugs to direct the photosensitizer close to essential cellular components, allowing for precise, synergistic phototherapy. This Perspective explores the use of Pc–drug conjugates as targeted anticancer phototherapeutic systems with examples of Pc–platin, Pc–kinase, and Pc–anthracycline conjugates discussed in detail.

Graphical abstract: Targeted cancer phototherapy using phthalocyanine–anticancer drug conjugates

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
27 iyn 2022
Accepted
17 avq 2022
First published
17 avq 2022
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Dalton Trans., 2022,51, 13157-13175

Targeted cancer phototherapy using phthalocyanine–anticancer drug conjugates

C. C. Rennie and R. M. Edkins, Dalton Trans., 2022, 51, 13157 DOI: 10.1039/D2DT02040H

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