Chlorin-based photodynamic therapy enhances the effect of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in bladder cancer cells

Background Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an attractive, emerging therapeutic procedure suitable for the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a death ligand that belongs to the TNF superfamily of cytokines. The ability of TRAIL to selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells but not in normal cells promotes the development of TRAIL-based cancer therapy. However, many tumor cells are resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. The purpose of the study was to overcome TRAIL-resistance in bladder cancer cells by photodynamic therapy (PDT).