Combined photodynamic therapy with chloroaluminum phthalocyanine and doxorubicin nanoemulsions in breast cancer model

Author(s)

Cabral, Agata Silva ^[1] ; Rivas Leonel, Ellen Cristina ^[2] ; Candido, Natalia Maria ^[1] ; Piva, Henrique Luis ^[3] ; de Melo, Maryanne Trafani ^[3] ; Taboga, Sebastiao Roberto ^[2] ; Rahal, Paula ^[1] ; Tedesco, Antonio Claudio ^[3] ; Calmon, Marilia Freitas ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ, Lab Genom Studies, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Sao Paulo State Univ, Lab Microscopy & Microanal, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Nanotechnol & Tissue Engn, Chem Dept, Photobiol & Photomed Res Grp, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY; v. 218, MAY 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm among women but thanks to innovative therapies, patients' prognosis has considerably improved. In this aspect, nanotechnology has been applied for cancer therapy aiming to reduce its usual side effects. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of nanoemulsions containing photosensitizer and chemotherapeutic agents associated with photodynamic therapy in a breast cancer in vivo model. Our results showed that synergistic treatments in which chloroaluminum phthalocyanine (NE-Pc) administered together with Doxorubicin (Dox) in the presence of laser irradiation (NE-PcDoxo + PDT) led to a reduction of 4 T1 induced breast cancer in mice, decline of tumor VEGF expression, increase in Caspase-3 expression, tissue necrosis and massive decrease in proliferative cells, as shown by Ki67 immunostaining. Furthermore, this associated treatment induced overexpression of apoptotic genes ABL1, CD70, CRADD, FASL, and NME5 and a reduction in expression of anticancer drug target genes CDK2, ERBB2, FIGF, IGF2, PARP4 and PGR. These results validate this treatment as a promising alternative to improve the currently applied anticancer strategies. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/04009-6 - Development of a novel bioink for 3D printing scaffolds for regeneration of cartilage tissues
• Grantee: Henrique Luis Piva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 13/50181-1 - Use of drugs containing nanocarriers with photosensitizers and/or other active compounds applied to cell therapy and treatment of central nervous system disorders
• Grantee: Antonio Claudio Tedesco
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants