chlorin e6 + cetuximab

A combination of the photosensitizer **chlorin e6** (sometimes as mono-L-aspartyl chlorin e6, NPe6) and the monoclonal antibody **cetuximab**, used for targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT), particularly in cancers characterized by overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Chlorin e6 is a second-generation FDA-approved photosensitizer activated by light (typically ~660 nm), generating reactive oxygen species to kill tumor cells. Cetuximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds EGFR and inhibits its signaling, used to target EGFR-positive tumors. When combined, cetuximab targets the drug delivery to EGFR-expressing cancer cells, improving the specificity and effectiveness of photodynamic therapy. This combination approach has demonstrated enhanced antitumor efficacy, particularly in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and other EGFR-positive cancers, by increasing internalization and cytotoxicity via EGFR-directed delivery of the photosensitizer and subsequent light activation. Moreover, the synergistic interaction can also inhibit tumor proliferation and enhance immune-mediated tumor destruction through abscopal effects[1][2][3][6][7]. The combination is being actively explored in experimental and clinical settings, often using nanosystems or micelle carriers to improve delivery.

Other names

chlorin e6 and cetuximabCe6 + C225NPe6 + cetuximabcetuximab plus chlorin e6