Improving Photodynamic Therapy with ALA Derivatives
Author Information
Author(s): Casas A, Fukuda H, Di Venosa G, Batlle A
Primary Institution: Centro de Investigaciones sobre Porfirinas y Porfirias (CIPYP) FCEyN (University of Buenos Aires and CONICET)
Hypothesis
More lipophilic derivatives of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) will improve the efficacy of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Conclusion
Using ALA derivatives can enhance the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy by improving photosensitization and reducing the amount of ALA needed.
Supporting Evidence
- The maximum amount of porphyrins synthesized from 0.6 mM ALA was 47 ± 8 ng/105 cells.
- Cell viability decreased to 50% with a 0.6 J cm−2 light dose.
- Less than 20% of the cells survived with a 1.5 J cm−2 light dose.
- More porphyrins led to greater cellular killing.
- ALA-PDT treated cells exhibited features of apoptosis.
Takeaway
This study shows that using special versions of a chemical called ALA can help kill more cancer cells when using light therapy.
Methodology
The study analyzed the behavior of three ALA derivatives regarding PPIX formation, efficiency in photosensitizing cells, and mechanism of cellular death.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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