Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an approach to treating cancer that uses light as part of its mechanism to kill cancer. It is not popular despite its inherent selectivity for tumors over healthy tissue. PDT employs a photosensitizer (PS); a prodrug that is activated by light to initiate localized cell death. The only FDA-approved PS for cancer therapy is an organic PS Photofrin. Our group is specifically interested in metal-based PSs due to their tunability and enhanced anti-cancer activity. Subtle changes to the coligands can produce remarkable effects on light-driven cytotoxicity. This permits a tumor-based approach to treatment. Ruthenium and Osmium centered PSs are particularly promising, with our own TLD1433 in Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of bladder cancer. This presentation will focus on the design, synthesis, and characterization of a series of metal-based PSs.

Light-triggered metallodrugs and their coligand effects

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.