Photodynamic Therapeutic Monitoring of Glioblastoma Using High-Resolution Photoacoustic Vascular Imaging

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is highly angiogenic, which promotes its growth and invasion. Photodynamic effects not only kill tumor cells but also disrupt or seal the tumor blood vessels. Targeting strategies that integrate effective tumor photodynamic therapy (PDT) with imaging-based vessel monitoring could lead to improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of GBM. Herein, we developed a biomimetic photosensitizer using a macrophage membrane hybrid lipid as the carrier of chlorin e6 to form a nanocomposite (MLCNPs). The MLCNPs demonstrated good biocompatibility and targeted GBM cells. Under laser irradiation, the MLCNPs showed significant photodynamic effects, which induced massive cell apoptosis. The targeting ability and PDT effect were investigated in an orthotopic glioma mouse model. During PDT in vivo, high-resolution photoacoustic (PA) imaging was used to monitor changes in the structure and function of the tumor vasculature. MLCNPs combined with high-resolution PA imaging provide a new strategy for GBM tumor diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.