Novel applications of diagnostic X-rays in activating a clinical photodynamic drug: Photofrin II through X-ray induced visible luminescence from "rare-earth" formulated particles

Introduction: In this communication we report on a novel non-invasive methodology in utilizing "soft" energy diagnostic X-rays to indirectly activate a photo-agent utilized in photodynamic therapy (PDT): Photofrin II (Photo II) through X-ray induced luminescence from Gadolinium Oxysulfide (20 micron dimension) particles doped with Terbium: Gd2O2S:Tb. Photodynamic agents such as Photo II utilized in PDT possess a remarkable property to become preferentially retained within the tumor's micro-environment. Upon the photo-agent's activation through (visible light) photon absorption, the agents exert their cellular cytotoxicity through type I and type II pathways through extensive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); namely, singlet oxygen O-1(2), superoxide anion O-2(-), and hydrogen peroxide H2O2, within the intra-tumoral environment. Unfortunately, due to shallow visible light penetration depth (similar to 2 mm to 5 mm) in tissues, the current PDT strategy has largely been restricted to the treatment of surface tumors, such as the melanomas. Additional invasive strategies through optical fibers are currently utilized in getting the visible light into the intended deep seated targets within the body for PDT. Methods: X-ray induced visible luminescence from Gd2O2S:Tb particles were spectroscopically characterized, and the potential in-vitro cellular cytotoxicity of Gd2O2S:Tb particles on human glioblastoma cells (due to 48 Hrs Gd2O2S:Tb particle exposure) was screened through the MTS cellular metabolic assay. In-vitro human glioblastoma cellular exposures in presence of Photo II with Gd2O2S:Tb particles were performed in the dark in sterile 96 well tissue culture plates, and the corresponding changes in the metabolic activities of the glioblastoma due to 15 minutes of (diagnostic energy) X-ray exposure was determined 48 Hrs after treatment through the MTS assay. Results: Severe suppression (> 90% relative to controls) in the cellular metabolic activity of human glioblastoma was measured due to the treatment of clinically relevant concentrations of 20 mu g/ml Photo II, with Gd2O2S:Tb particles, and (120 kVp) diagnostic X-rays. Taken together, the in-vitro findings herein provide the basis for future studies in determining the safety and efficacy of this non-invasive X-ray induced luminescence strategy in activating photo-agent in deep seated tumors.