PUBLICATION 1: Borzęcka W, Domiński A, Kowalczuk M. Recent progress in phthalocyanine-polymeric nanoparticle delivery systems for cancer photodynamic therapy. Nanomaterials. 2021;11(9):2426. doi:10.3390/nano11092426.
1. What is the problem/issue being addressed?
The paper addresses the limitations of conventional cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery), focusing particularly on breast cancer. It highlights the need for more selective, efficient, and less toxic therapeutic strategies. A central issue is the low solubility, aggregation, and lack of targeting of phthalocyanines (Pcs), which are potent photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy (PDT).
2. Why is it important for society?
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally, with breast cancer being the most common among women. Despite advances in treatment, current therapies still have severe side effects and limitations. Developing safer, more targeted, and effective treatments like nanoparticle-based PDT could significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients, addressing a major public health challenge.
3. What are the overall objectives?
The objective is to review the development of phthalocyanine-loaded polymeric nanoparticles that are:
• pH-sensitive to exploit the acidic tumor environment,
• capable of delivering Pcs selectively to tumor cells,
• enhanced in solubility, photostability, and therapeutic effect in PDT applications.
Ultimately, the goal is to review an advanced drug delivery systems for more effective and selective treatment of breast cancer through photodynamic therapy.
PUBLICATION 2: Malarz K, Borzęcka W, Ziola P, Domiński A, Rawicka P, Bialik-Wąs K, Kurcok P, Torres T, Mrozek-Wilczkiewicz A. pH-sensitive phthalocyanine-loaded polymeric nanoparticles as a novel treatment strategy for breast cancer. Bioorg Chem. 2025;155:108127. doi:10.1016/j.bioorg.2025.108127.
1. What is the problem/issue being addressed?
The study addresses the limited effectiveness and high toxicity of conventional breast cancer treatments, as well as the poor solubility and low tumor-targeting ability of traditional photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The researchers aim to improve the delivery and therapeutic efficacy of phthalocyanine-based PDT agents by encapsulating them in pH-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles.
2. Why is it important for society?
Breast cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide, particularly among women. Current treatments often have serious side effects and limited effectiveness, especially in HER-2 positive or drug-resistant cancers. Developing targeted, less toxic, and more efficient therapies like nanoparticle-based PDT could significantly improve patient outcomes, reduce side effects, and increase the quality of life for those affected by breast cancer.
3. What are the overall objectives?
The main objectives of the study are to:
-Design and synthesize pH-sensitive polymeric micelles that encapsulate phthalocyanine-based photosensitizers (Pc4 and TT1),
-Improve their solubility, photostability, and tumor selectivity,
-Test their anticancer activity in vitro, focusing on breast cancer cell lines, especially HER-2 positive ones,
-Investigate their mechanism of action, including ROS generation, subcellular localization, and influence on signaling pathways related to apoptosis and cancer cell survival.
