Synthesis and photodynamic activities of modified benzochlorin derivatives on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), endemic in Southern China, is ranked as the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in Hong Kong. In an effort to develop new PDT agents for cancer treatment, with a particular emphasis on the NPC, we have investigated the benzochlorin-type photosensitizers. The chromophore is functionalized with side chains containing polar and/or cationic groups. Synthetic methods have been developed for such purposes; e.g. 5 ²-chlorosulfonyloctaethylbenzochlorin and 5 ²-bromooctaethylbenzochlorin are used as versatile precursors for the preparation of ammonium and amidinium salts. Preliminary in vitro study of the photodynamic activity of the synthetic compounds indicated that the cationic benzochlorin derivatives display significant photocytotoxicity towards NPC cells