Scientists from Moscow State University and the city of Chernogolovka in the Moscow region have developed two new photosensitizing materials, compounds used in photodynamic therapy for cancer.
Chemotherapy is one of the most common methods for treating cancerous tumors. Despite its high effectiveness, this approach causes many side effects because it is non-selective and damages healthy cells.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be a safer alternative. In this treatment, a photosensitizer is injected into the patient's bloodstream. This substance accumulates in cancer cells and only becomes active after exposure to light, specifically a certain wavelength. Upon exposure to light, it releases reactive oxygen species that destroy the tumor while leaving healthy tissue largely unaffected. However, photosensitizers approved for clinical use are not perfect. Some tend to clump together, causing them to lose their effectiveness quickly, while others require exposure to wavelengths that do not penetrate the body deeply enough.
The key advantage of the new compounds developed by Russian scientists lies in their sensitivity to light with a wavelength of 708-739 nanometers. This wavelength range penetrates deeper into tissues, meaning it could potentially help fight even hard-to-reach malignant tumors.
According to the researchers, these molecules are based on porphyrazine, a substance similar to natural compounds like chlorophyll and heme. The scientists modified their structure so that the compounds dissolve well in water, penetrate cells, and efficiently produce reactive oxygen species, which destroy cancer cells when exposed to light.
Tests on five cancer cell lines showed that the new materials are just as effective as Photolon. But with a key advantage: they do not damage cells in the dark, reducing the risk of side effects that characterize more aggressive treatments.
This research was conducted with the participation of scientists from Moscow State University and with a financial grant provided by the Russian Science Foundation. The results of the study were published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
The next stage of the study involves experiments on mice. If this approach is confirmed, doctors may have a safer way to treat cancer.
