Promotion of photodynamic therapy-induced death: Laboratory experimental methodology

Photodynamic therapy, a cancer treatment using a photosensitizer and visible light, has been shown to induce apoptosis or necrosis. In the present paper we recommend the use of a phthalocyanine derivative in an experimental class with the purpose of introducing students to photodynamic treatment of cultured cells, morphological observation of cell death, and viability assays. We consider that this activity might help students trained previously in tissue culture handling to experience a richer way of learning concepts and techniques.