The results revealed that AlPcS 4 penetrates poorly into cells. To discover the main reason behind the limited PDT effects and further improve its antitumor ability, the delivery efficiency of AlPcS 4 was investigated by evaluating its fluorescence intensity in gastric cancer cells. Unfortunately, its inhibitory effect is limited. In this study, we evaluate the anti-growth effects of AlPcS 4 on gastric cancer cells. 16 – 22 However, little is known about its ability to inhibit gastric cancer cell growth and proliferation as well as its possible mechanism of cell death (ie, apoptosis or necrosis). 14, 15 AlPcS 4 exhibits superior PDT effects in various cancer cell lines. Thus, AlPcS 4 has been widely used as a photosensitizer for cancer treatments. Based on its emission spectra in the near-infrared region (NIR), AlPcS 4 offers deep tissue penetration, high quantum yields, good photostability, low photo bleaching, etc. Al(III) phthalocyanine chloride tetrasulfonic acid (AlPcS 4), a derivative of photofrin, is a second-generation photosensitizer. 12, 13 The development of a new effective photosensitizer or the modification of existing photosensitizers is important to increase PDT effect. However, the low delivery efficiency and limited antitumor effect of the photosensitizer, as well as the shallow tissue penetration depth of the light source, remain problematic. 10, 11 Therefore, PDT is a promising method for gastric cancer therapy. 5, 9 Moreover, PDT leads to indirect tumor ablation by causing tumor ischemia and nutritional starvation through vascular leakage, blood flow stasis, and vascular collapse. 7, 8 Under light activation, the photosensitizer generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce oxidative stress, which can damage cellular organelles and membranes, thereby leading to apoptosis or necrosis of the neoplastic tissue. 5, 6 PDT has been brought into focus for its high efficiency, safety, small operational wound, few side effects, synergy compatibility, repeatability, relatively low cost, etc. 4 The prominent antitumor growth treatment response and low toxic side effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) against various cancers depend on the tumor-selective accumulation of the photosensitizer. Severe side effects, high toxicity, and drug resistance usually lead to the failure of cancer treatment methods, thereby leading to low quality of life. 3 However, these treatment strategies inhibit normal cell growth. Furthermore, surgery combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy is used to enhance the therapeutic indices for gastric cancer. 2 Chemical and physical treatments significantly hamper the rapid growth of gastric cancer cells, especially during chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Surgery is the most common gastric cancer treatment strategy, and it allows for the removal of the tumor mass. 1 It exhibits high incidence and mortality and is a major public health issue worldwide.
Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-associated death.