Photodynamic Therapy

From left to right: Maria Graça Neves, Amparo Faustino, Mariana Mesquita e Margarida Fardilha.

Authors and Affiliations:

Mariana Q. Mesquita^{*^}, Ana Rita Ferreira^*, Maria da Graça P.M.S. Neves^{^}, Daniela Ribeiro^*, Margarida Fardilha^*, Maria A.F. Faustino^{^}

^* Instituto de Biomedicina – iBiMED & Departamento de Ciências Médicas, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has evolved as a therapeutic modality in the treatment of various types of cancer. The destruction of tumor cells is due to the formation of reactive oxygen species resulting from the interaction between the photosensitizer (PS), light, and oxygen. Recently, the combination of the photosensitizer with antibodies, or with antibody fragments, has contributed to improvements in the specificity of this phototherapy, reducing its side effects.

A collaboration between researchers from Ipatimup/i3S, INEB/i3S and Universidade de Aveiro  led to the development of a novel photoimmunoconjugate of porphyrin conjugated to trastuzumab that specifically and efficiently eliminates HER2+ gastric cancer cells following photodynamic therapy in vitro and in vivo (when compared to trastuzumab alone).

This study suggests that, in the setting of human disease, repetitive cycles of Trast:Porph photoimmunotherapy may improve treatment of HER2+ gastric cancer patients.

Authors and Affiliations: