Abstract
In our recent published study entitled “Targeted Photodynamic Therapy using a Vectorized Photosensitizer coupled to a Folic Acid Analog induces Ovarian Tumor Cell Death and inhibits IL-6-mediated Inflammation”, we explore the effect of a new approach for the treatment of ovarian cancer. We found that photosensitizer coupled to an analog of folic acid (PSFAA) selectively accumulates in ovarian cancer cells and, upon light activation, induces an efficient photodynamic cytotoxicity. Moreover, we demonstrate that FRα-targeted PDT induces an inhibition of the pro-tumoral and immunosuppressive IL-6 cytokine secretion. The results support that FRα-targeted PDT not only eradicates residual ovarian tumor cells but could also modulate the immune microenvironment. In this commentary, we introduce more in-depth ovarian cancer immune background, summarize key findings of the published work, and discuss emerging questions and future research directions, focusing on FRα PDT-induced immune re-activation and its potential to re-sensitize ovarian cancer to immunotherapies.