Nanoscintillator-photosensitizer conjugates to potentiate synchrotron radiotherapy: in vitro studies

This proposal aims at studying the ability of nanoscintillators to potentiate synchrotron radiotherapy by inducing deep-tissue photodynamic therapy (PDT) and radiation dose-enhancement (RDE). While RDE results from an excess of energy deposited by photo- and Auger electrons that are created when X-rays interact with heavy-elements, PDT relies on photosensitizers that generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species upon light activation. As light penetrates weakly in tissues, PDT is limited to superficial tumors. However, when conjugated to nanoscintillators, photosensitizers can be excited in deep tissues by the radioluminescence emitted by the nanoscintillators during radiotherapy. In this project, we will investigate the ability of a nanoscintillator (Lu3Al5O12:Pr) conjugated to a clinically used photosensitizer (benzoporphyrin derivative) to induce PDT and RDE in vitro in pancreatic microtumors.