A recent study has shown that combining photodynamic therapy (PDT) with cisplatin can significantly enhance the treatment of human lung adenocarcinoma.
Researchers have been investigating innovative approaches to combat lung cancer, and a study published on March 24, 2025, reveals promising results from the integration of photodynamic therapy and cisplatin in targeting human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells.
Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with the GLOBOCAN 2018 data estimating approximately 2.09 million new lung cancer cases and a staggering 1.76 million deaths annually. The overwhelming majority of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, making effective treatment options crucial.
In this study, researchers constructed a xenograft model of lung adenocarcinoma using nude mice. These mice were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: a control group with no treatment, a cisplatin-only group, a PDT-only group, and a joint therapy group receiving both cisplatin and PDT. The results indicate that the combination therapy was particularly effective in inhibiting tumor growth, demonstrating superiority over each treatment administered independently.
The experimental approach involved using the TUNEL method to assess tumor cell apoptosis and examining mRNA expression levels of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes through RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses. The findings showed that the combination therapy significantly promoted apoptosis in tumor cells, as evidenced by a higher apoptotic index in the combination group compared to the others. Specifically, the apoptotic indices were recorded at 9.5% for the combination therapy group, in contrast to 4.6% for the cisplatin-only group and 5.6% for the PDT-alone group.
This study revealed that the underlying mechanism by which photodynamic therapy and cisplatin interact lies in the modulation of apoptosis-related genes. The combination therapy resulted in a marked upregulation of the pro-apoptotic gene Bax and caspase-3, while concurrently downregulating the anti-apoptotic gene Survivin. As the authors wrote, "This may be related to the promotion of apoptosis, specifically through the up-regulation of Bax and caspase-3, and the down-regulation of Survivin gene expression, thus inhibiting cell proliferation."
Starting with a clear model, the research team successfully injected the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells into the nude mice. Following inoculation in the right back, tumors were observed, and significant abdication in their size was noted through careful treatment administration. After irradiation with 630 nm wavelength light and the anchoring of cisplatin treatment, their results showed substantial effectiveness in regulating tumor volume growth, marking critical contributions to the field of cancer treatment.
Previous studies have already demonstrated several advantages of photodynamic therapy (PDT), particularly its ability to limit collateral damage to healthy tissues, enhancing the specificity of treatment due to differential distribution of photosensitizers within tumors. However, despite PDT's recognized benefits, its effectiveness can be diminished when treating deeper lesions, necessitating the adoption of diverse treatment methodologies.
The researchers combined PDT with cisplatin—as they demonstrated that cisplatin, a prevalent chemotherapeutic agent, works through mechanisms different from PDT. While cisplatin binds to DNA, impeding cellular reproduction and fostering cell death upon successful targeting, PDT is known for inducing localized oxidative stress that could further incite tumor cell death.
The outcomes demonstrated in this study align with recent observations across numerous research facets; specific studies have also established potential benefits stemming from the dual administration of chemotherapy with PDT, arguing it could provide synergistic outcomes, improving survival rates and patients' overall quality of life.
In conclusion, this study marks significant strides in combating lung adenocarcinoma through innovative therapeutic modalities. The combination of photodynamic therapy and cisplatin not only hones in on tumor inhibition but also establishes the groundwork for future research into advanced treatment strategies for lung cancer patients. Further exploration into the underlying molecular mechanisms involved could open further possibilities for enhancing therapeutic effects.
