Calcium Phosphosilicate Nanoparticles for Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as an alternative modality for cancer treatment. PDT works by initiating damaging oxidation or redox-sensitive pathways to trigger cell death. PDT can also regulate tumor angiogenesis and modulate systemic antitumor immunity. The drawbacks to PDT -- photosensitizer toxicity, a lack of selectivity and efficacy of photosensitizers, and a limited penetrance of light through deep tissues -- are the same pitfalls associated with diagnostic imaging. Developments in the field of nanotechnology have generated novel platforms for optimizing the advantages while minimizing the disadvantages of PDT. Calcium phosphosilicate nanoparticles (CPSNPs) represent an optimal nano-system for both diagnostic imaging and PDT. In this review, we will discuss how CPSNPs can enhance optical agents and serve as selective, non-toxic, and functionally stable photosensitizers for PDT. We will also examine novel applications of CPSNPs and PDT for the treatment of leukemia to illustrate their potential utility in cancer therapeutics. [Discovery Medicine 13(71):275-285, April 2012]