Biological activities of phthalocyanines. XIV. Effect of hydrophobic phthalimidomethyl groups on the in vivo phototoxicity and mechanism of photodynamic action of sulphonated aluminium phthalocyanines

Near Infrared Light Triggered Photo/Immuno-Therapy Toward Cancers

Nanomaterials-based phototherapies, mainly including photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photoimmunotherapy (PIT), present high efficacy, minimal invasion and negligible adverse effects in cancer treatment. The integrated phototherapeutic modalities can enhance the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy for clinical application transformation. The near-infrared (NIR) light source enables phototherapies with the high penetration depth in the biological tissues, less toxic to normal cells and tissues and a low dose of light irradiation. Mediated via the novel NIR-responsive nanomaterials, PTT and PDT are able to provoke cancer cells apoptosis from the generated heat and reactive oxygen species, respectively. The released cancer-specific antigens and membrane damage danger signals from the damaged cancer cells trigger immune responses, which would enhance the antitumor efficacy via a variety of immunotherapy. This review summarized the recent advances in NIR-triggered photo-/immune-therapeutic modalities and their synergistic mechanisms and applications toward cancers. Furthermore, the challenges, potential solutions and future directions of NIR-triggered photo-/immunotherapy were briefly discussed.

Zinc(II) phthalocyanines as photosensitizers for antitumor photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a highly specific and clinically approved method for cancer treatment in which a nontoxic drug known as photosensitizer (PS) is administered to a patient. After selective tumor irradiation, an almost complete eradication of the tumor can be reached as a consequence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which not only damage tumor cells, but also lead to tumor-associated vasculature occlusion and the induction of an immune response. Despite exhaustive investigation and encouraging results, zinc(II) phthalocyanines (ZnPcs) have not been approved as PSs for clinical use yet. This review presents an overview on the physicochemical properties of ZnPcs and biological results obtained both in vitro and in more complex models, such as 3D cell cultures, chicken chorioallantoic membranes and tumor-bearing mice. Cell death pathways induced after PDT treatment with ZnPcs are discussed in each case. Finally, combined therapeutic strategies including ZnPcs and the currently available clinical trials are mentioned.

Fighting Cancer with Corroles

Corroles are exceptionally promising platforms for the development of agents for simultaneous cancer-targeting imaging and therapy. Depending on the element chelated by the corrole, these theranostic agents may be tuned primarily for diagnostic or therapeutic function. Versatile synthetic methodologies allow for the preparation of amphipolar derivatives, which form stable noncovalent conjugates with targeting biomolecules. These conjugates can be engineered for imaging and targeting as well as therapeutic function within one theranostic assembly. In this review, we begin with a brief outline of corrole chemistry that has been uniquely useful in designing corrole-based anticancer agents. Then we turn attention to the early literature regarding corrole anticancer activity, which commenced one year after the first scalable synthesis was reported (1999-2000). In 2001, a major advance was made with the introduction of negatively charged corroles, as these molecules, being amphipolar, form stable conjugates with many proteins. More recently, both cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of metallocorroles have been documented in experimental investigations employing advanced optical spectroscopic as well as magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Key results from work on both cellular and animal models are reviewed, with emphasis on those that have shed new light on the mechanisms associated with anticancer activity. In closing, we predict a very bright future for corrole anticancer research, as it is experiencing exponential growth, taking full advantage of recently developed imaging and therapeutic modalities.

Phthalocyanines as Photosensitizers in the Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer

The application of phthalocyanine derivatives in medicine as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy of cancer diseases is reviewed. The emphasis is on the work of Russian authors, which is less covered in the scientific literature.

Killing efficacy of a new silicon phthalocyanine in human melanoma cells treated with photodynamic therapy by early activation of mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising therapeutic modality that utilizes a combination of a photosensitizer and visible light for the destruction of diseased tissues. Using human-pigmented melanoma cells, we examined the photokilling efficacy of new silicon-phthalocyanines (SiPc) that bore bulky axial substituents. The bis(cholesteryloxy) derivate (Chol-O-SiPc) displayed the best in vitro photokilling efficacy (LD(50) = 6-8 x 10(-9) M) and was seven to nine times more potent than chloro-aluminium Pc (ClAlPc), a known photosensitizer used as a reference. Although Chol-O-SiPc was half as potent as ClAlPc for promoting photo-oxidative membrane damage in a cell-free assay, early events of mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis upon PDT were triggered much faster, as demonstrated by kinetics studies examining cells with permeabilized mitochondrial membranes, cytochrome c release and caspase-9 activation. Inhibition of caspase-9 activity by a substrate analogue argued for its central role in the proapoptotic events leading to cell death by Chol-O-SiPc PDT. In addition, immunoblots showed that Bcl-2 antiapoptotic oncoprotein was not a primary target of Chol-O-SiPc in M3Dau cells treated with PDT. Conclusively, Chol-O-SiPc is a useful new photosensitizer with the property of triggering cell apoptosis mediated by mitochondria.

Hydroxyphthalocyanines as potential photodynamic agents for cancer therapy

A series of benzyl-substituted phthalonitriles, substituted at the 3-, 4-, and 4,5-positions, underwent varied condensations with phthalonitrile to give a series of protected (monohydroxy- and polyhydroxyphthalocyaninato)zinc(II) derivatives which were readily cleaved to give several hydroxyphthalocyanines (ZnPc) (phthalocyanine phenol analogues). Their efficacy as sensitizers for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer was evaluated on the EMT-6 mammary tumor cell line. In vitro, the 2-hydroxy ZnPc (32) was the most active, followed by the 2,3- and 2,9-dihydroxy ZnPc (39 and 45), with the 2,9,16-trihydroxy ZnPc (33) exhibiting the least activity. In vivo, the monohydroxy derivative 32 and the 2,3-dihydroxy derivative 39 were both efficient in inducing tumor necrosis at 1 micromol kg-1, but complete tumor regression was poor, even at 2 micromol/kg. In contrast, the 2,9-dihydroxy isomer 45, at 2 micromol kg-1, induced tumor necrosis in all animals treated, with 75% complete regression. These results underline the importance of the position of the substituents on the Pc macrocycle to optimize tumor response and confirm the PDT potential of the unsymmetrical Pcs bearing functional groups on adjacent benzene rings.

The photodynamic response of two rodent tumour models to four zinc (II)-substituted phthalocyanines

Four novel zinc (II)-substituted phthalocyanines, varying in charge and hydrophobicity, were evaluated in vivo as new photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. Two rat tumours with differing vascularity were used: a mammary carcinoma (LMC1) and a fibrosarcoma (LSBD1), with vascular components six times higher in the latter (10.8%+/-1.5) than in the former (1.8%+/-1.4). Each sensitizer was assessed for tumour response relative to normal tissue damage, and optimum doses were selected for further study, ranging from 0.5 to 20 mg kg(-1). Interstitial illumination of the tumours was carried out using a 200-microm-core optical fibre with a 0.5 cm length of diffusing tip, at either 680 or 692 nm, depending on the sensitizer. Light doses of between 200 and 600 J were delivered at a rate of 100 mW from the 0.5-cm diffusing section of the fibre. Maximum mean growth delays ranged from 9 to 13.5 days depending on sensitizer and type of tumour, with the most potent photosensitizer appearing to be the cationic compound. Histopathological changes were investigated after treatment to determine the mechanism by which tumour necrosis was effected. The tumours had the appearance of an infarct and, under the conditions used, the observed damage was shown to be mainly due to ischaemic processes, although some direct tumour cell damage could not be ruled out.

Correlation of distribution of sulphonated aluminium phthalocyanines with their photodynamic effect in tumour and skin of mice bearing CaD2 mammary carcinoma

A chemical extraction assay and fluorescence microscopy incorporating a light-sensitive thermoelectrically cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) camera was used to study the kinetics of uptake, retention and localisation of disulphonated aluminium phthalocyanine (A1PcS2) and tetrasulphonated aluminium phthalocyanine (A1PcS4) at different time intervals after an i.p. injection at a dose of 10 mg kg-1 body weight (b.w.) in tumour and surrounding normal skin and muscle of female C3D2/F1 mice bearing CaD2 mammary carcinoma. Moreover, the photodynamic effect on the tumour and normal skin using sulphonated aluminium phthalocyanines (A1PcS1, A1PcS2, A1pcS4) and Photofrin was compared with respect to dye, dye dose and time interval between dye administration and light exposure. The maximal concentrations of A1PcS2 in the tumour tissue were reached 2-24 h after injection of the dye, while the amounts of A1PcS4 peaked 1-2 h after the dye administration. A1PcS2 was simultaneously localised in the interstitium and in the neoplastic cells of the tumour, whereas A1PcS4 appeared to localise only in the stroma of the tumour. The photodynamic efficiency (light was applied 24 h after dye injection at a dose of 10 mg kg-1 b.w.) of the tumours was found to decrease in the following order: A1PcS2 > A1PcS4 > Photofrin > A1PcS1. Furthermore, photodynamic efficacy was strongly dependent upon dye doses and time intervals between dye administration and light exposure: the higher the dose, the higher the photodynamic efficiency. The most efficient photodynamic therapy (PDT) of the tumour was reached (day 20 tumour-free) when light exposure took place 2 h after injection of A1PcS2 (10 mg kg-1). A dual intratumoral localisation pattern of the dye, as found for A1PcS2, seems desirable to obtain a high photodynamic efficiency. The kinetic patterns of uptake, retention and localisation of A1PcS2 and A1PcS4 are roughly correlated with their photodynamic effect on the tumour and normal skin.

Photodynamic therapy with photofrin II induces programmed cell death in carcinoma cell lines

The mode of cell death following photodynamic therapy was investigated from the perspective of programmed cell death or apoptosis. Human prostate carcinoma cells (PC3), human non-small cell lung carcinoma (H322a) and rat mammary carcinoma (MTF7) were treated by photodynamic therapy. An examination of extracted cellular DNA by gel electrophoresis showed the characteristic DNA ladder indicative of internucleosomal cleavage of DNA during apoptosis. The magnitude of the response and the photodynamic therapy dosage required to induce DNA fragmentation were different in PC3 and MTF7. The MTF7 cells responded with rapid apoptosis at the dose of light and drug that yielded 50% cell death (LD50). In contrast, PC3 showed only marginal response at the LD50 but had a marked response at the LD85. Thus, apoptosis did not ensue as quickly in PC3 as in MTF7. The H322a cells were killed by photodynamic therapy but failed to exhibit any apoptotic response. The results also suggested that apoptosis in these cell lines has a minor requirement for de novo protein synthesis and no requirement for de novo RNA synthesis. This study indicates that although apoptosis can occur during photodynamic therapy-induced cell death, this response is not universal for all cancer cell lines.

Biodistribution of a methylene blue derivative in tumor and normal tissues of rats

By using a chemical extraction procedure and confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy we have investigated the kinetic patterns of uptake and biolocalization of a methylene blue derivative (MBD) in tumors and various normal tissues of Wistar rats bearing fibrosarcoma (Leeds ovarian tumor) after intravenous injection of MBD (10 mg kg-1 body weight). Similar kinetics of accumulation and elimination of MBD fluorescence were found in tumor tissue and surrounding normal skin and muscle tissues. However, the tumor:skin and tumor:muscle ratios of the MBD fluorescence intensity were found to be 9 and 4, respectively, 4 h after intravenous injection, indicating selective uptake of MBD by the tumor tissue. MBD was localized on the walls of all the vessels and extensively in the area of neoplastic cellular and tumorigenic fibrous components in the tumor tissue. Interestingly, no MBD fluorescence could be detected in the metastatic neoplastic cells in the remote lymph nodes. In the skin, MBD was mainly distributed in the keratinized epithelium of the epidermis, hair follicles and their accessories, while little was found both in the epidermis and dermis. In most other tissues, the maximal fluorescence intensity of MBD was found 1-4 h after injection, after which it decreased dramatically to almost undetectable levels 120 h postinjection. Strong fluorescence of MBD was seen in the tracheal mucosal epithelium, while little fluorescence was noted in the transitional epithelium of bladder. The kinetics of biolocalization of MBD in some other tissues (liver, spleen, kidney, brain, muscle, lung, heart) were also studied.

Biological activities of phthalocyanines--XVI. Tetrahydroxy- and tetraalkylhydroxy zinc phthalocyanines. Effect of alkyl chain length on in vitro and in vivo photodynamic activities

Zinc phthalocyanine substituted with four hydroxyl groups attached to the macrocycle, either directly or via spacer chains of three or six carbon atoms, were tested for their photodynamic ability to inactivate Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (line V-79) in vitro, and to induce regression of EMT-6 tumours grown subcutaneously in Balb/c mice. Their potential to inflict direct cell killing during photodynamic therapy was investigated by examining vascular stasis immediately following photoirradiation using fluorescein as a marker, and also by an in vivo/in vitro EMT-6 cell survival assay. Both of the tetraalkylhydroxy substituted zinc phthalocyanines are effective photodynamic sensitisers in vivo with the tetrapropylhydroxy compound exhibiting about twice the activity of the tetrahexylhydroxy analogue. The differences in activities were accentuated in vitro, the tetrapropylhydroxy compound was two orders of magnitude more potent than the tetrahexylhydroxy analogue in photoinactivating V-79 cells. The tetrahydroxy compound lacking spacer chains failed to exhibit photodynamic activity in either system. Tumour response with the active compounds was preceded by vascular stasis immediate following irradiation which suggests, together with the absence of activity in the in vivo/in vitro assay, that tumour regression involves an indirect response to the photodynamic action rather than direct cell killing. These data demonstrate the importance of the spatial orientation of functional groups around the macrocycle of photosensitisers for their efficacy in the photodynamic therapy of cancer.