Effect of the combined action of photosensitive nanoparticles, photodynamic therapy and cytotoxic drugs in the treatment of brain stem glioma: an in vitro assay and characterization of the in vivo orthotopic model

• Grant number: 20/09168-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2020
• End date: August 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biology
• Principal Investigator: Rosana de Lima Pagano
• Grantee: Catherina Salzano Chalela
• Host Institution: Hospital Sírio-Libanês. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a highly aggressive, lethal pediatric tumor with few treatment options, most of which are ineffective regarding patient survival. Considering that DIPG cannot be removed surgically due to the anatomical complexity and eloquence of the tumor area and that this brain area has a restrictive nature of the blood-brain barrier, thus preventing the arrival of anti-tumor drugs through systemic routes in the tumor, the survival rate of these patients remains very low, with an average survival of less than 1 year. Understanding tumor biology, as well as finding new treatment therapies is of pivotal importance to improve the quality of life, increasing progression-free survival, and overall survival of these patients. In this project, we aim to demonstrate the effect of the combined action of the nanoparticulate emulsion (NE) carried with chloro-aluminum phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and cytotoxic drugs on the viability and mechanisms of death of the F98 rat glioma cell line. This study aims to demonstrate the effects of this combined therapy on the destruction of brain tumor cells in vitro and in vivo, enabling a new and promising therapeutic strategy for difficult-to-treat brain tumors.