Effect of dose responses of hydrophilic aluminium (III) phthalocyanine chloride tetrasulphonate based photosensitizer on lung cancer cells

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising approach for the treatment of different types of cancer and has been brought into focus for its synergy, compatibility, repeatability, relatively inexpensive cost and it's typically more efficacious nature. Photosensitizers (PSs) play a major role in PDT and are the core of this specific therapy. Al (III) Phthalocyanine Chloride Tetra sulfonic Acid (AlPcS ₄ Cl) PS is an aromatic macrocyclic metal-based compound that is synthetically derived. It aids in deep tissue penetration due to its far red light activation wavelength, low photo bleaching, increased quantum yields and stability. Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide accounting for approximately 1 in 5 of all cancer-related deaths. In this study, we explored the photochemical properties of AlPcS ₄ Cl, its uptake into lung cancer, the intracellular localization and photodynamic action on lung cancer (A549 cells). Results indicated that AlPcS ₄ Cl is a stable PS that localizes in intracellular organelles including the mitochondrion and lysosomes. PDT using AlPcS ₄ Cl indicated an increase in cell death and decrease in cell proliferation and viability. AlPcS ₄ Cl showed to be effective in treating lung cancer in vitro, however the resulting PDT efficacy will finally depend on the biological features such as tumour vasculature and tumour specific accumulation when used as a clinical application. It is noted that PDT can be considered as an adjunct therapy until standard protocols for various tumour types along with a relevant PS has been validated.