Biocompatible nanomicelles for sensitive detection and photodynamic therapy of early-stage cancer

Early-stage tumors are characterized by their small size and scarce secreted markers, and the lack of sensitive detection techniques and reagents, which hinder timely cancer treatment. The natural product pyromagnesium chlorophyll-a (PPa) and FDA approved Pluronic F127 were prepared for F127-PPa nanogel micelles with good size, fluorescence and good biocompatibility. After intravenous injection, F127-PPa nanosized micelles can not only accurately identify early xenograft tumors, but can also be sensitive to detect lung cancer metastasis by near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging. The fluorescence signal was consistent with radionuclide imaging, photoacoustic (PA) imaging, and bioluminescence imaging of the tumors. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity of small tumors was associated linearly with tumor mass, with a range of 10 – 120 mg and a fluorescence coefficient of 4.5 107 mg – 1. Under the guidance of multimodal imaging, F127-PPa can completely eradicate the effective reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. These findings may provide clinically translatable drugs and strategies for sensitive diagnosis of early tumors and timely cancer therapy.