Serambeque B, Dias I, Mestre C, Marto CM, Botelho MF, Carvalho MJ, Laranjo M (2026) Photodynamic therapy-based strategies targeted at cancer stem cells: A scoping review. Cancers (Basel) 18(7):1162. doi: 10.3390/cancers18071162 PMID: 41976384
Objective: To examine strategies for targeting cancer stem cells using photodynamic therapy.
Summary: Photochemical internalization (PCI) is a widely adopted approach for targeting surface markers on cancer stem cells. Anti-CD133-SAP was evaluated in colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma. In CD133high colorectal cancer cells (WiDr), PCI with picomolar concentrations of AC133–saporin completely inhibited viability and colony formation, with no toxicity observed in the absence of light activation. Similar efficacy was observed in CD133+ breast (MDa-MB-231) and CD133high melanoma cells (FMEX-1) but not in CD133− breast cancer cells (MCF7), confirming target specificity. A similar strategy was employed to target CD44 in human cancer cell lines.
Related Products: Anti-CD133-SAP (Cat. #IT-82), Anti-CD44-SAP (Cat. #IT-72), Streptavidin-ZAP (Cat. #IT-27)