Head and neck tumor is a malignancy with rising incidence and to date, surgical resection is the primary treatment option, which is associated with facial disfigurement and a high risk for recurrence. Therefore, the development of new therapies for this tumor type is of high clinical value. Using novel approaches in photonanomedicine, we are exploring tumor-selective therapy for head and neck cancer.

In previous projects, we successfully developed the toolbox for a targeting concept against Ki-67 positive cells based on nanoconstructs and light irradiation. Antibody conjugates of TuBB-9 (an anti-Ki-67 antibody) with different photosensitizers suitable for in vivo applications were prepared and tested. Coupling to different cell and nucleus penetrating peptides or encapsulation into liposomes ensures cellular und nuclear delivery. Intracellular release of the antibodies from endososomes by photochemical internalization (PCI) drastically increased efficiency.