Toward a molecular understanding of the photosensitizer-copper interaction for tumor destruction.

The aim of this study was to shown that the photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy (PDT) can contribute to the dark toxicity and phototoxicity of the tumor by binding with copper. This binding process can remove the copper from the body, stopping angiogenesis as well as activating the mechanisms of cell death, such as apoptosis and necrosis. In PDT, this coupling may be considered a new route for fighting cancer in addition to those already known which involve reactive oxygen species.