Discovery of a Targeted Prodrug System Activated by Reactive Oxygen Species to Enhance Diagnostic and Therapeutic Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) alone is not as effective as expected due to its poor targeting and influence by the tumor microenvironment. In this study, combined with the strategy of controlled release and fluorescence illumination, we developed a cancer-targeted and activated photodynamic functional molecule, RQP. This study successfully demonstrated the mechanism of action of RQP, which could effectively differentiate between normal and tumor cells for precise distribution and activation of tumors, specifically release methylene blue (MB) as an effective photosensitizer and ROS detector for targeted phototherapy, and trigger immune activation, thereby synergistically exerting an effective antitumor effect. Meanwhile, in vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging could efficiently visualize tumor tissues and monitor therapeutic efficacy in real time, providing a comprehensive and efficient therapeutic integration strategy for tumor treatment.