Nanoparticle Based Photodynamic Therapy for Cancer

ORAL

Abstract

This presentation describes research into a new approach to cancer treatment through a combination of radiation and photodynamic therapy. Under this concept, scintillation or persistent luminescence nanoparticles with attached photosensitizers, such as porphyrins, are used as an in vivo agent for photodynamic therapy. The nanoparticle PDT agents are delivered to the treatment site. Upon exposure to ionizing radiation such as X-rays, the nanoparticles emit scintillation or luminescence, which in turn activates the photosensitizers; as a consequence, singlet oxygen ($^1$O$_2$) is produced. Studies have shown that $^1$O$_2$ can be effective in killing cancer cells. The innovation described in this study involves the use of in vivo luminescent nanoparticles so that an external light source is not required to support PDT. Consequently, application of the therapy can be more localized and the potential of damage to healthy cells is reduced. This new modality will provide an efficient, low-cost approach to PDT while still offering the benefits of augmented radiation therapy at lower doses.

Authors

  • Dana Dunn

    University of Texas at Arlington, Peoples Friendship University of the Russia, TSAAPT Officer, University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Chemistry, Stephen F. Austin University, Department of Physics, Stephen F. Austin University, Highland Park High School, Dallas, Texas, Lamar High School, Arlington, Texas, Angelo State University, Abilene Christian University, Southern Nazarene University, Texas Tech University, Sam Houston State University, University of Texas at Austin, Cornell University, University of Houston, University of Texas Center for Relativity, Ion Beam Modification and Analysis Laboratory (IBMAL), University of North Texas, University of North Texas, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, NanoTech Institute, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75083, Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, Department of Physics, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, UTA High Energy Physics Group, Univ. of Texas, Arlington, USA, KAERI Korea, Changwon National Univ., Korea, Rutgers University, Iowa State University, Rigaku/MSC, Texas Christian University, Dept. of Physics, Changwon National University, Department of Physics, University of North Texas, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Research Center, Philip Morris USA, Harrington Department Bioengineering Arizona State University, Universidad Autonoma de Colima, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Department of Physics, University of Texas, Arlington, Chair, Department of Physics, University of Texas at Arlington, Dean of Science, University of Texas at Arlington, President, University of Texas at Arlington, Department of Electrical Engineering, Princeton University, Department of Physics, Texas A\&M University, NanoFAB Center and Electrical Engineering Department, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at San Antonio, SEMATECH, University of Texas at Dallas, CINVESTAV Queretaro, Mexico and University of Texas at Dallas, Texas A\&M University, Departamento de F\'isica, FCEN, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Department of Physics, UT Austin, Physics Department, The University of Texas at Arlington, Department of Physics, University of Texas at Arlington, Tolar High School, Granbury High School