The use of
photodynamic therapy (
PDT) in the treatment of
brain cancer has produced exciting results in clinical trials over the past decade.
PDT is based on the concept that a
photosensitizer exposed to a specific light wavelength produces the predominant
cytotoxic agent, to destroy
tumor cells. However, delivering an efficient light source to the
brain tumor site is still a challenge. The light source should be delivered by placing external
optical fibers into the brain at the time of surgical debulking of the
tumor. Consequently, there exists the need for a minimally invasive treatment for
brain cancer PDT. In this study, we investigated an attractive non-invasive option on
glioma cell line by using Tb3+-doped
LaF3 scintillating nanoparticles (
LaF3:Tb) in combination with
photosensitizer, meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (MTCP), followed by activation with soft X-ray (80 kVp). Scintillating
LaF3:Tb nanoparticles, with sizes of approximately 25 nm, were fabricated. The particles have a good dispersibility in aqueous
solution and possess high biocompatibility. However, significant cytotoxicity was observed in the
glioma cells while the
LaF3:Tb nanoparticles with MTCP were exposed under X-ray irradiation. The study has demonstrated a proof of concept as a non-invasive way to treat
brain cancer in the future.