Real-Time Monitoring of Colorectal Cancer Location and Lymph Node Metastasis and Photodynamic Therapy Using Fucoidan-Based Therapeutic Nanogel and Near-Infrared Fluorescence Diagnostic–Therapy System

Abstract

We report real-time monitoring of colorectal cancer, lymph node metastasis of colorectal cancer cells, and tumor growth inhibition through photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a near-infrared fluorescence diagnostic–therapy system with a light source for PDT and a fucoidan-based theranostic nanogel (CFN-gel) with good accumulation efficiency in cancer cells. To confirm the effect of the fabricated system and developed CFN-gel, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed. Chlorin e6 (Ce6) and 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) were used for comparison. We confirmed that CFN-gel has a high accumulation efficiency in cancer cells and high fluorescence signals in near-infrared light for a long period, and only CFN-gel delayed the growth rate of cancer in terms of its size in PDT. In addition, using the near-infrared fluorescence diagnostic–therapy system and CFN-gel prepared for these experiments, the lymph node metastasis of cancer cells was imaged in real time, and the metastasis was confirmed through H&E staining. The possibility of image-guided surgery and identification of lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer can be confirmed through CFN-gel and a near-infrared fluorescence diagnostic–therapy system that includes various light sources.

Theranostic nanogels: multifunctional agents for simultaneous therapeutic delivery and diagnostic imaging

“…Among these photosensitizers, chlorin e6 (Ce6) stands out as a prominent candidate, valued not only for its photodynamic therapy (PDT) capabilities but also for its utility as an imaging agent for near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging. 92 Recent advancements in nanotechnology have enabled the integration of Ce6 into nanogel formulations, offering a dual-purpose platform for both diagnosis and therapy. 93,94 In a study by Cho et al , a Ce6-containing nanogel system was investigated for its potential in photodynamic therapy of cancer.…”

Photodynamic Therapy for Inflammatory and Cancerous Diseases of the Intestines: Molecular Mechanisms and Prospects for Application

“…The direct visual observation and assessment of lesions, along with the ability to intervene, establish endoscopes as the gold standard 44 . Hence, PDT offers significant advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal diseases, particularly in the context of IBD and CRC 31 , 45 . Figure 1 illustrates a schematic description of the application of PDT for inflammatory and cancerous diseases of the intestines.…”

“…Surface-functionalized nanoparticles can bind to cancer cell receptors, enhancing selectivity and reducing side effects 173 . Moreover, nanoparticles incorporating imaging agents enable real-time visualization and precise treatment planning 45 . Additionally, they can carry multiple components, such as chemotherapeutic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors, leading to enhanced therapeutic effects 162 , 174 .…”