In A2780 cells, the photoactivation of all the tested RPCs caused a potent caspase 3 activation, as well as both caspase 3 and PARP cleavage, while the RPCs were ineffective in the absence of photosensitization, pointing at a crucial role for programed cell death in the anti-tumor activity of these systems. The gene discussed is CASP3; the disease is neoplasm.