Novel aspect of chemophototherapy in treatment of cancer

Tumour Biol. 2012 Jun;33(3):701-6. doi: 10.1007/s13277-011-0288-9. Epub 2011 Dec 22.

Abstract

The present review deals with the genetic implications of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to enhance horizons of chemophototherapy toward novel approaches for the treatment of various cancers. ROS are species of oxygen which are in a more reactive state than molecular oxygen. ROS play essential roles in vivo such as redox regulation, gene expression, immune response and many other cellular events. ROS generated by anticancer drugs during chemophototherapy may be associated with the activation of signal molecules like PKC, transcription factor NF-kappaB as well as destabilization of mitochondrial membrane inducing the release of apoptosis inducing agents like cytochrome c, resulting in toxicity to cancer cells. Thus, we suggest that anticancer drugs on exposure to light may generate oxidative stress following Fenton-like reaction generating hydroxyl radical. This may get on specific cell cycle receptors which may lead to cell cycle arrest and subsequently cytotoxic death of cancer cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / radiation effects
  • Drug Synergism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Reactive Oxygen Species