Arsenite enhances the anti-tumor activity of photodynamic therapy using talaporfin sodium against U251 glioblastoma cell line

Abstract

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive type of solid cancer that begins within the brain. We previously demonstrated that photodynamic therapy using talaporfin sodium (TS-PDT) treatment exhibits anti-tumor activity against glioblastoma. In this study, we found that sodium arsenite selectively decreased the cell viability of U251 glioblastoma cell line. Moreover, arsenite enhanced the anti-tumor activity of TS-PDT in the cells. These results suggest that arsenite has the potential to exhibit anti-tumor activity against U251 glioblastoma cell line and enhance the anti-tumor effect of TS-PDT.