Development of a novel oral cancer treatment using photodynamic therapy using blue light

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K10127
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 57060:Surgical dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Kanagawa Dental College
• Principal Investigator: FUMIHIKO YOSHINO 神奈川歯科大学, 歯学部, 准教授 (20308307)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 吉田 彩佳 神奈川歯科大学, 歯学部, 准教授 (00609414) ; 居作 和人 神奈川歯科大学, 歯学部, 講師 (90257296)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 光線力学療法 / 5-アミノレブリン酸 / 活性酸素種 / 青色光 / プロトポルフィリンIX / 舌癌

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes light-sensitive agents and light to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) with anti-tumor effects. This study aimed to establish a novel ALA-PDT strategy for oral cancer with superior therapeutic efficacy by employing blue light irradiation. Oral cancer cells (Ca9-22) were treated with ALA followed by blue light irradiation. Cell viability and intracellular ROS levels were assessed. ALA treatment significantly increased intracellular PpIX levels. Blue light irradiation on ALA-treated cells resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability compared to the control group. Additionally, ROS levels were markedly elevated upon blue light irradiation. These findings suggest that ALA treatment enhances PpIX accumulation in oral cancer cells. Subsequent blue light irradiation triggers ROS generation, leading to potent cytotoxicity. This approach has the potential to be a promising strategy for improved ALA-PDT efficacy in oral cancer treatment.

Free Research Field

歯科薬理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

通法によるPDTは赤色光を用いることで，人体の深部癌の治療を行うものであるが，この研究では青色光を用いることで，より表層に生じる癌へのPDTを検討した。その結果，十分な抗癌作用を示したため，口腔領域，とくに舌表層に生じる舌癌に対し，非外科的治療を含めた口腔癌患者のQOL維持への応用，貢献が期待できる治療プランへ応用できる可能性が考えられ，今後のPDT研究において，極めて重要な社会的意義がある。