Effect of Photofrin-mediated photocytotoxicity on a panel of human pancreatic cancer cells

Background and objective: Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women. Early clinical studies suggest that photodynamic therapy (PDT) might be a useful modality in the management of this deadly disease. In this study, the photocytotoxicity of Photofrin-mediated PDT on different human pancreatic cancer cells (BxPc-3, HPAF-II, Mia PaCa-2, MPanc-96, PANC-1 and PL-45) was examined. Materials and methods: After co-incubating cancer cells with Photofrin (0-10 mu g/ml) for 4 h, the cells were irradiated with 0-6 J/cm(2) of 630 nm light. The effect of Photofrin PDT on the survival of cells were examined using tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay and clonogenic assay. PDT-induced apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Expressions of apoptosis-related proteins were determined by western blot analysis. Results: Photofrin PDT strongly inhibited the survival of pancreatic cancer cells. A small portion of cells (<15%) underwent apoptosis 24 h after PDT at LD50. Cleavage of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9 and PARP after PDT were also confirmed. BxPc-3, Mia PaCa-2, MPanc-96, and PANC-1 cells were more sensitive and HPAF-11 and PL-45 cells less sensitive. Conclusion: Photofrin PDT can induce apoptosis and inhibit survival of human pancreatic cancer cells. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.