Wireless OLED metronomic photodynamic device kills deep organ tumor cells in rat model

Metronomic photodynamic therapy (mPDT) selectively kills tumor cells by marking them with photosensitizers and applying low-intensity light to induce programmed cell death. While its low intensity allows the approach to be miniaturized and implantable, its practical application in deeper tumors remains a challenge in the field.

Researchers have developed an mPDT that addresses several key barriers to practical use. Combining an ultra-thin organic light-emitting diode (OLED) with wireless energy transfer, the device by Itazaki et al. uniformly irradiates tumor cells for sufficient duration while avoiding immunological and thermal damage. They demonstrate its effects on a rat tumor model.

The work marks the first time a biocompatible, wirelessly powered OLED mPDT has shown strong anti-tumor effects against deep organ cancer.

“We believe this work will shift the paradigm in photodynamic therapy by introducing a viable strategy for treating cancers in deep organs,” said author Yuji Morimoto. “It opens new possibilities for integrating bioelectronics and cancer therapy, encouraging the development of smart, implantable light-based platforms for minimally invasive oncologic interventions.”

The photosensitizer, temoporfin, was administered to rats bearing hepatomas implanted with the wireless devices. Compared to a control group with a sham device, rats with the mPDT demonstrated marked targeted tumor cell death. Histological examinations not only showed that red OLED light performed significantly better than green, but also that the device’s parylene coating suppressed local immune response.

The group hopes the work inspires others to take a multidisciplinary approach to reaching deep tumors with novel technology and next looks to enhance flexibility of future devices to better address tumors located in dynamic organs, such as those in the gastrointestinal tract.

Source: “Metronomic photodynamic therapy for deep organ cancer by implantable wireless OLEDs,” by Yujiro Itazaki, Kei Sakanoue, Katsuhiko Fujita, Izumi Kirino, Kazuhiro Eguchi, Yutaka Miyazono, Ryoichi Yamaguchi, Takazumi Tsunenari, Takao Sugihara, Kenji Kuwada, Naoki Kobayashi, Tsuyoshi Goya, Katsuyuki Morii, Hironori Tsujimoto, and Yuji Morimoto, APL Bioengineering (2025). The article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0256898 .