Nanoparticle Self-Lighting Photodynamic Therapy For Ovarian Cancer Treatment

The goal of the project was to find a more efficient treatment for cancer while reducing the risk of radiation damage. To reach this goal, we propose a novel method for ovarian cancer treatment that combines radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Under this concept, luminescent nanoparticles with attached photosensitizers are used as a new type of agent for photodynamic therapy. In the first year, we will focus on the preparation of highly luminescent nanoparticles by considering size and dielectric confinements and on the conjugation of photosensitizers to nanoparticles. We will characterize the performance of scintillation and long-afterglow nanoparticles in order to ensure the greatest possible chances of success. These nanoparticles will serve as the foundation for a conjugated PDT system. At the end of Year 1, we will use the most promising conjugates to demonstrate PDT against ovarian cancer in vitro. This will constitute a go/no-go point in transitioning to Year 2 and will provide clear demonstration of the feasibility of our PDT nanoparticle system against ovarian cancer. In Year 2, we will enhance the most promising PDT nanoparticle systems toward more efficient PDT and conduct in vivo testing and toxicity evaluation of these systems.