Photodynamic therapy of tumours with hexadecafluoro zinc phthalocyanine formulated in PEG-coated poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles

Abstract
Hexadecafluoro zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPcF16), a second‐generation sensitizer for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer, was formulated in polyethylene‐glycol‐coated poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles (PEG‐coated PLA‐NP) and tested in EMT‐6 tumour‐bearing mice for its photodynamic activity. The tumour response was compared to that induced by the same dye formulated as a Cremophor EL (CRM) emulsion. Formulation in the biodegradable NP improved PDT response of the tumour while providing prolonged tumour sensitivity towards PDT. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.