Abstract: Provided are methods and uses for treating a cancer or a tumor. In some aspects, the provided methods and uses involve contacting a sample, e.g., containing tumor cells, with a phthalocyanine dye conjugated to a targeting molecule that binds a protein on tumor cell, and illuminating the sample with a wavelength of light suitable for the activation of the phthalocyanine dye. In some aspects, the methods and uses also involve administering the illuminated sample to a subject, such as a subject having a cancer or a tumor. The methods and uses described herein provide for stimulation of the anti-cancer immune response in the subject and the reduction of growth and/or elimination of cancers, tumors and tumor cells in the subject. Also provided are compositions and combinations for use in the provided methods.

Abstract: Provided are compositions, combinations, and methods and uses for treating a subject having a tumor or lesion, including those not responsive or resistant to prior therapeutic treatments, such as prior immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments. In some aspects, the methods include administering to the subject a targeting molecule that binds CTLA-4 conjugated with phthalocyanine dye, such as IR700. In some cases, the methods include administering an immune modulatory agent. The tumor or lesion, in some cases, a first tumor, is illuminated with a wavelength of light suitable for the activation of the phthalocyanine dye of the conjugate. The provided methods and uses provide for growth inhibition, volume reduction, and elimination of tumors and tumor cells including primary tumors, metastatic tumor cells, and/or invasive tumor cells. Also provided are compositions, combinations, methods and uses for provoking or enhancing systemic and local immune responses and for synergistic responses against tumor growth.

Abstract: Provided are methods involving the use of biomarkers, in relation to photoimmunotherapy, such as photoimmunotherapy induced by activation of a phthalocyanine dye conjugated to a targeting molecule that binds a protein on tumor cell, for example, an IR700-antibody conjugate, and combination therapies, for example, that include photoimmunotherapy and an additional therapeutic agent, such as an immune modulating agent. In some aspects, the provided embodiments can be used to identify or select subjects for photoimmunotherapy and/or the combination therapy, or to assess the likelihood of response to photoimmunotherapy and/or to the additional therapeutic agents. Features of the methods and uses provide various advantages, such as improved efficacy. In some aspects, the provided embodiments can be used to provide personalized medicine and tailored therapy regimens for subjects.