Current Advances in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and the Future Potential of PDT-Combinatorial Cancer Therapies

Overview

Journal Int J Mol Sci

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Chemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2024 Jan 23

PMID 38256096

Authors

Niuska Alvarez

Ana Sevilla

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a two-stage treatment that implies the use of light energy, oxygen, and light-activated compounds (photosensitizers) to elicit cancerous and precancerous cell death after light activation (phototoxicity). The biophysical, bioengineering aspects and its combinations with other strategies are highlighted in this review, both conceptually and as they are currently applied clinically. We further explore the recent advancements of PDT with the use of nanotechnology, including quantum dots as innovative photosensitizers or energy donors as well as the combination of PDT with radiotherapy and immunotherapy as future promising cancer treatments. Finally, we emphasize the potential significance of organoids as physiologically relevant models for PDT.

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