Abstract

In this work, a specific tumor-targeted small molecular fluorophore for synchronous long-duration cancer imaging, photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy is synthesized. This novel fluorophore exhibits specific targeting ability in certain tumors (U87MG, MDA-MB-231, A549, etc.) based on its inherent structure, and efficiently generates local hyperthermia and reactive oxygen species simultaneously for imaging-guided precise cancer therapy combining the photothermic and photodynamic effects under laser irradiation. Meanwhile, compared to traditional near infrared fluorophore, this novel fluorophore with significantly enhanced stability against photobleaching can prolong the time of tumor imaging and improve the phototherapy efficiency. This work presents a potential strategy to develop small-molecule-based cancer theranostic agents for simultaneous cancer targeting, imaging, and therapy.

© 2017 Optical Society of America