New project optimising photochemical internalisation to avoid neuronal toxicity

Photochemical Internalisation (PCI) is a novel drug delivery technology founded upon Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). In PCI, low dose PDT can selectively rupture endo/lysosomal membranes by light activation of membrane-incorporated photosensitisers, facilitating intracellular drug release. PCI is currently being tested in patients at UCLH with advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing Bleomycin chemotherapy (more information). For PCI to be developed further, it is essential to understand whether nerve damage is an impending side effect when treating cancers within or adjacent to nervous system tissue. This study aims to investigate the effect of PCI on mammalian peripheral nerve cells using advanced cell culture models, with proven utility for translational PDT research, to identify a PCI treatment approach that minimises nerve toxicity. The project is a collaboration with Dr Josephine Woodhams (UCL Surgery) and Mr Colin Hopper (Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon) and the Research Assistant working on the project is Caitriona O’Rourke.