biostudies-literatureOkamura SMJapan Society for the Promotion of Science1815https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12648907biostudies-literatureUnknown25(1)<h4>Background</h4>Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) as a photosensitizing precursor is an approved treatment modality for several types of cancers. However, the increased generation of antioxidants in cancer cells renders them resistant to PDT. MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma shows increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and relies on the glutathione redox system for ROS detoxification. We tested the effectiveness of combining 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN), a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor that modulates nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and glutathione redox balance, with PDT for treating neuroblastoma.<h4>Methods</h4>Cellular protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulation, cell proliferation, morphological changes, induction of cellBMC cancer6-Aminonicotinamide enhances the efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy for neuroblastoma.PMC1264890721K07191 and 25K11091Chelakkot VSNakahata KHori HOkamura SMLinn ZToyoda HOnishi Yfalse6-Aminonicotinamide enhances the efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy for neuroblastoma.<h4>Background</h4>Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) as a photosensitizing precursor is an approved treatment modality for several types of cancers. However, the increased generation of antioxidants in cancer cells renders them resistant to PDT. MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma shows increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and relies on the glutathione redox system for ROS detoxification. We tested the effectiveness of combining 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN), a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor that modulates nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and glutathione redox balance, with PDT for treating neuroblastoma.<h4>Methods</h4>Cellular protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulation, cell proliferation, morphological changes, induction of cell2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Nov2026-06-05T17:54:56.259Z2026-05-19T03:12:02.826ZS-EPMC126489074129148710.1186/s12885-025-15231-4