Inhibition of autophagy potentiates the apoptosis-inducing effects of photodynamic therapy on human colon cancer cells

Both autophagy and apoptosis were induced by PpIX-PDT in HCT116 cells, and the inhibition of autophagy strengthened the proapoptotic effect of PpIX-PDT. Thus, the appropriate modulation of autophagy may be as a potential therapeutic target for colon cancer cells treated with PpIX-PDT.