Tumor cell death in orthotopic breast cancer model by NanoALA: a novel perspective on photodynamic therapy in oncology

Nano-5-aminolevulic acid (NanoALA)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT), an oil-in-water polymeric nanoemulsion of ALA, was evaluated in a murine model of breast cancer. Analysis of ALA-derived protoporphyrin IX production and acute toxicity test, biocompatibility and treatment efficacy, and long-term effect of NanoALA-PDT on tumor progression were performed. The nanoformulation favored the prodrug uptake by tumor cells in a shorter time (1.5 h). As a result, the adverse effects were negligible and the response rates for primary mammary tumor control were significantly improved. Tumor progression was slower after NanoALA-PDT treatment, providing longer survival. NanoALA is a good proactive drug candidate for PDT against cancer potentially applied as adjuvant/neoadjuvant intervention strategy for breast cancer.