The influence of electroporation on in vitro photodynamic therapy of human breast carcinoma cells

Folia Biol (Praha). 2011;57(3):112-8.

Abstract

Phototoxicity of drugs used in cancer photodynamic therapy could be augmented by increased accumulation of a photosensitizer in target cells. The intracellular delivery mode that enhances drug transportation could facilitate therapy by reducing the exposure time. Doses of the administered drug and related side effects could be lowered, whilst maintaining the same therapeutic efficiency. Electroporation supports transport of many drugs by creating electric field-induced transient nanopores in the plasma membrane. In this study, the electroporation- assisted transport of a photosensitizer was tested in vitro in human breast carcinoma cell lines: wild-type (MCF-7/WT) and doxorubicin-resistant (MCF-7/DOX). The efficacy of photodynamic therapy alone and in combination with electroporation was evaluated by cell viability with MTT test, using a haematoporphyrin derivative as a model. The data presented show up to 10-fold greater efficacy of the combined method, with very significantly reduced drug exposure times.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Doxorubicin / pharmacology
  • Doxorubicin / therapeutic use
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Electroporation*
  • Female
  • Hematoporphyrin Derivative / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / administration & dosage
  • Photosensitizing Agents / pharmacology
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Hematoporphyrin Derivative
  • Doxorubicin