A group of researchers has developed an innovative molecule that could represent a significant advance in the treatment of solid tumors through Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).
The development of effective drugs against solid tumors faces two major challenges: the selective accumulation of the drug in the tumor and its infiltration capacity to reach all tumor cells.
The dominant approach has been the development of increasingly larger molecules and more complex nanoparticles, which, despite increasing selectivity, compromises penetration into dense and rigid tumors.
Now, the Department of Chemistry of the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC), in collaboration with the company Luzitin SA, has set out to change this paradigm.
Contrary to the aforementioned trend, the Coimbra team opted for an innovative strategy: identify the smallest molecular structure with ideal pharmacological properties for Photodynamic Therapy.
The result was the synthesis of the LUZ51 moleculethe smallest known photosensitizer that absorbs infrared light, essential for effectively passing through human tissues.
“Photodynamic Therapy is based on activation of a photosensitizer through red or infrared light. In the presence of oxygen, this activation triggers a cascade of chemical reactions that lead to the death of tumor cells,” he explained. Luis Arnautprofessor at FCTUC and researcher at the Coimbra Chemistry Center (CQC), in a statement sent to ZAP.
“One of the great advantages of this therapy is its high selectivity: the drug is practically harmless without light, allowing the tumor to be destroyed only in the illuminated area”, he added.
In a series of studies, the results of which were in the journal Applied Chemistry International Editionit was demonstrated that LUZ51 accumulates 13 times more in tumors than in adjacent tissues, is rapidly internalized by tumor cells and induces their death when activated by infrared light.
In animal models, Photodynamic Therapy with LIGHT51 made it possible to cure mice with aggressive and relatively large tumors, preserving the surrounding healthy tissues and minimizing adverse effects.
“One of the most notable results was observed in the treatment of the human analogue of triple negative breast cancer. Even when the primary tumor already showed signs of metastasis to the lungs, local treatment with LUZ51 led to a significant reduction, and in some cases the elimination, of lung metastases”, said Luís Arnaut.
“These data suggest that Photodynamic Therapy with LUZ51 may activate the host’s immune system, promoting an antitumor response beyond the directly treated area“, praised the scientist.
The LUZ51 molecule was patented by the University of Coimbra and Luzitin SA, with patents granted in the main oncology markets.
Despite the enormous potential demonstrated, the researchers emphasize that LUZ51 will have yet to be evaluated in clinical trials before it can be used in cancer patients, a process that could take around five years. Still, this discovery opens up new perspectives for more selective, effective treatments with less impact on healthy tissues.
