Abstract
Human carboxylesterase 2 (hCES2) converts anticancer prodrugs, such as irinotecan, into their active metabolites via phase I drug metabolism. Owing to interindividual variability, hCES2 serves as a predictive marker of patient response to hCES2-activated prodrug-based therapy, whereby a low intratumoral hCES2 activity leads to therapeutic resistance. Despite the ability to identify nonresponders, effective treatments for resistant patients are needed. Clinically approved photodynamic therapy is an attractive alternative for irinotecan-resistant patients. Here, we describe the application of our hCES2-selective small-molecule ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor, Benz-AP, as a single theranostic agent given its discovered functionality as a photosensitizer. Benz-AP produces singlet oxygen and induces photocytotoxicity in cancer cells in a strong negative correlation with hCES2 activity. Two-photon excitation of Benz-AP produces fluorescence, singlet oxygen, and photocytotoxicity in tumor spheroids. Overall, Benz-AP serves as a novel theranostic agent with selective photocytotoxicity in hCES2-prodrug resistant cancer cells, making Benz-AP a promising agent for in vivo applications.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
