AuNPs + Pc158

AuNPs + Pc158 is an experimental **PSMA-targeted, cathepsin-activatable gold nanoparticle photodynamic theranostic** being studied for prostate cancer imaging and treatment. The construct comprises PEGylated gold nanoparticles conjugated to the silicon phthalocyanine photosensitizer **Pc158**, an analogue of Pc4, through a cathepsin-cleavable **GLFGC** linker. In this design, the gold nanoparticle functions as both a delivery vehicle and quencher; after accumulation in PSMA-expressing tumor tissue and proteolytic cleavage in the tumor microenvironment, Pc158 is released or dequenched, enabling fluorescence imaging and restoration of photodynamic activity upon near-infrared light exposure. The program appears to be preclinical and has been evaluated in translational prostate cancer models, including canine prostate cancer, as a precision imaging and therapy approach.

Other names

gold nanoparticles + Pc158PSMA-targeted gold nanoparticles + Pc158PSMA-targeted cathepsin-activatable AuNPs + Pc158