2ⁿᵈ Edition of the Cancer R&D World Conference 2026

Abstract

Indocyaninegreen (ICG) is a green dye and already approved on the market for more than 50 years. ICG absorbs near infrared light 810 nm and delivers fluorescence with 830 nm what can be used for diagnostic purposes. Besides this ICG is an excellent photo- and sonosensitizer and can be used for photodynamic and sonodynamic cancer therapy. After infusion or local injection can accumulate in malignant cells and makes them light sensitive. By irradiation with near infrared (laser) light cell destruction occurs by production of oxygen radicals initiating an immunological cascade. Therapeutic limitations are the sufficient accumulation in cancer cells and local light application issues, especially in deep seated tumors.

A new formulation of ICG loaded exosomes leads to an improved accumulation in tumor cells compared to liposomal formulations.  Light can be delivered invasively or intratumorally using new German laser devices with invasive fiberoptic needles and diffusing tip fibers. Spherical irradiating fibers can also be used for endoscopic treatments of the intestine, bladder or prostate cancers. PDT initiates an immunologic reaction by stimulation of dendritic and specific T-cells what can be enhanced by  low dose checkpoint immunotherapy for an ongoing local effect and achieving ascopal reactions on metastases. The therapy is nearly side effect free and can also be combined with other cancer therapies. First case reports and clinical data of different cancers from the last 2 years will be presented in this lecture.