The Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Imatinib Mesylate Enhances the Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy by Inhibiting ABCG2

Abstract

Second-generation clinical photosensitizers are transported out of cells by ABCG2, and this effect can be abrogated by coadministration of imatinib mesylate. By increasing intracellular photosensitizer levels in ABCG2+ tumors, imatinib mesylate or other ABCG2 transport inhibitors may enhance efficacy and selectivity of clinical PDT.