Makoto Mitsunaga et al. have developed a new form of molecular-targeted cancer therapy that provides an alternative to current photodynamic approaches where damage to surrounding healthy cells and tissues can be a problem. They use a target-specific photosensitizer based on a near-infrared phthalocyanine dye, which is conjugated to monoclonal antibodies targeting human epidermal growth factor receptors (HER1 and HER2). Selective treatment using this approach was shown in vivo in subcutaneous cancer xenografts in mice.
- Makoto Mitsunaga
- Mikako Ogawa
- Hisataka Kobayashi
