New Paper: Using a 3D culture model to understand the effect of PDT on neurons

Our paper “Inhibition of specific cellular antioxidant pathways increases the sensitivity of neurons to meta-tetrahydroxyphenyl chlorin-mediated photodynamic therapy in a 3D co-culture model” reveals new information about how neurons can survive photodynamic therapy (PDT) cancer treatments. By using a co-culture system that maintained neurons and glial cells in a 3D environment we were able to identify a potential mechanism for the neuronal sparing we reported previously (2009 publication in the British Journal of Cancer) . Understanding the response of neurons to PDT is important for the treatment of tumours within or adjacent to the nervous system and this ongoing project in collaboration with the National Medical Laser Centre is an example of how our nervous system culture models can be used to address clinically relevant questions.