Project

Novel photosensitizers to push the limits of photodynamic cancer therapy

Acroniem
PULSE
Code
F2023/IOF-ConcepTT/033
Looptijd
14-08-2023 → 31-10-2025
Financiering
Regional and community funding: Industrial Research Fund
Onderzoeksdisciplines
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Cell death
    • Compound screening
    • In vitro testing
    • Non-clinical studies
    • Cancer therapy
  • Engineering and technology
    • Biomaterials
Trefwoorden
fotosensibilisator cyanine kleurstof melanoom Immunogene celdood Fotodynamische therapie
 
Projectomschrijving

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved, minimally invasive form of anticancer therapy. IT involves the administration of a photosensitizer, followed by irradiation with a light source leading to the generation of highly reactive oxygen species that kill tumor cells. Currently, PDT has two main limitations, namely it is not suitable for large or deeply embedded tumors and it is not suitable for the treatment of metastases. In this project, we aim to search for novel and more effective photosensitizers, that are able to induce immunogenic cell death of cancer cells, resulting in the establishment of anti-tumor immunity. We first focus on the treatment of melanoma, a neoplasm originating from the melanocytes of the epidermis. Although melanoma only corresponds to 4% of skin-related cancers, it is the causal agent for 80% of deaths resulting from dermatological cancer. There is an especially large unmet clinical need for the development of new therapies to treat melanoma in advanced stages with systemic dispersion.