Posted January 28, 2021
Porphyrins are interesting drug delivery vehicles that can specifically accumulate in cancer cells. However, how the structure of the drug-conjugated porphyrin affects its ability to penetrate and accumulate within cancer cells is not well understood.
Researchers from the Tokyo University of Science now investigate the correlation between the structure and tumour accumulation of porphyrin derivatives. Their findings can help to optimize drug delivery, possibly advancing cancer treatment.
A blood test. Image credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Teresa J. Cleveland, Public Domain via Health.mil
The main culprit in cancer is healthy cells that have gone rogue and acquire the ability to divide uncontrollably. These cells acquire growth advantages over normal cells and manipulate their environment by altering the cellular pathways involved in growth and metabolism.