Abstract
Despite significant advances in early diagnosis and treatment, skin cancer is one of the leading causes of death. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new therapeutic modality that is emerging as an important resource against malignant tumors. This strategy is based on the action of photosensitizers, i.e. of molecules which may accumulate preferentially inside tumor cells where they exert a cytotoxic effect after excitation by light at appropriate wavelengths. Some forms of skin cancers and also some non-tumor pathologies are now treated with PDT. Several compounds with photosensitizing activity have been identified, and some of these molecules are commercially available. Many photoactive principles are natural compounds. Numerous reviews in the last decade have focused on photodynamic therapy, its effects and applications, but less attention has been paid to plant extracts or molecules of natural origin studied for their phototoxic activity to date.This review critically examines the potential role of various plant extracts and naturally occurring compounds in the treatment of skin cancer. Both in vitro and in vivo effects of these agents, together with their known related cellular and molecular mechanisms, are presented and discussed.
Keywords: Anticancer drugs, natural compounds, photoactive principles, photodynamic therapy, photosensitizers, skin cancer.
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title:Applications of Natural Compounds in the Photodynamic Therapy of Skin Cancer
Volume: 21 Issue: 12
Author(s): M. Marrelli, G. Menichini, E. Provenzano and F. Conforti
Affiliation:
Keywords: Anticancer drugs, natural compounds, photoactive principles, photodynamic therapy, photosensitizers, skin cancer.
Abstract: Despite significant advances in early diagnosis and treatment, skin cancer is one of the leading causes of death. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new therapeutic modality that is emerging as an important resource against malignant tumors. This strategy is based on the action of photosensitizers, i.e. of molecules which may accumulate preferentially inside tumor cells where they exert a cytotoxic effect after excitation by light at appropriate wavelengths. Some forms of skin cancers and also some non-tumor pathologies are now treated with PDT. Several compounds with photosensitizing activity have been identified, and some of these molecules are commercially available. Many photoactive principles are natural compounds. Numerous reviews in the last decade have focused on photodynamic therapy, its effects and applications, but less attention has been paid to plant extracts or molecules of natural origin studied for their phototoxic activity to date.This review critically examines the potential role of various plant extracts and naturally occurring compounds in the treatment of skin cancer. Both in vitro and in vivo effects of these agents, together with their known related cellular and molecular mechanisms, are presented and discussed.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Marrelli M., Menichini G., Provenzano E. and Conforti F., Applications of Natural Compounds in the Photodynamic Therapy of Skin Cancer, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2014; 21 (12) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986732112140319094324
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986732112140319094324 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Medicinal Chemistry: From Cancer to Chronic Diseases.
The broad spectrum of the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, novel therapeutic interventions, and translational insights that impact modern medicine. The primary focus will be diseases of global concern, including cancer, chronic pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions, providing a broad overview of the advancements in ...read more
Approaches to the treatment of chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous diseases, significantly impacting global health. Although chronic inflammation is a hot topic, not much has been written about approaches to its treatment. This thematic issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in chronic inflammation treatment and foster discussion on future directions in this ...read more
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Clinical Implications
The Special Issue covers the results of the studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of non-infectious inflammatory diseases, in particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders such as type II diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Review and research articles as well as methodology papers that summarize ...read more
Chalcogen-modified nucleic acid analogues
Chalcogen-modified nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides have been of great interest to scientific research for many years. The replacement of oxygen in the nucleobase, sugar or phosphate backbone by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) gives these biomolecules unique properties resulting from their altered physical and chemical properties. The continuing interest in ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Targeting Poly (ADP) Ribose Polymerase I (PARP-1) and PARP-1 Interacting Proteins for Cancer Treatment
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Functionalized Nanocarriers for Enhanced Bioactive Delivery to Squamous Cell Carcinomas: Targeting Approaches and Related Biopharmaceutical Aspects
Current Pharmaceutical Design Cancer Resistance to Type II Topoisomerase Inhibitors
Current Medicinal Chemistry Malignancy in Common Variable Immune Deficiency: Report of Two Rare Cases of Gastrointestinal Malignancy and a Review of the Literature
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets Nonviral Gene Therapy
Current Gene Therapy Alzheimer's Disease: Emerging Trends in Small Molecule Therapies
Current Medicinal Chemistry Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides: Effectiveness and Toxicity
Current Drug Targets Tankyrase as a Novel Molecular Target in Cancer and Fibrotic Diseases
Current Drug Targets Killing the Messenger: Antisense DNA and siRNA
Current Drug Targets Marine Natural Products and Related Compounds as Anticancer Agents: an Overview of their Clinical Status
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1): A Potential Target for Intervention in Ocular Neovascular Diseases
Current Drug Targets NF-κB Blockers Gifted by Mother Nature: Prospectives in Cancer Cell Chemosensitization
Current Pharmaceutical Design Lipid Matrix Systems with Emphasis on Lipid Microspheres: Potent Carriers for Transcutaneous Delivery of Bioactives
Current Drug Delivery A Short Overview on the Biomedical Applications of Silica, Alumina and Calcium Phosphate-based Nanostructured Materials
Current Medicinal Chemistry Chemokine Receptor-directed Agents as Novel Anti-HIV-1 Therapies
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry PET Molecular Imaging of Hypoxia in Ischemic Stroke: An Update
Current Vascular Pharmacology Recent Findings on the Application of Toll-like Receptors Agonists in Cancer Therapy
Current Medicinal Chemistry Eosinophils in Cancer: Favourable or Unfavourable?
Current Medicinal Chemistry The Human Pseudoautosomal Region (PAR): Origin, Function and Future
Current Genomics Heparin, Heparan Sulfate and Heparanase in Cancer: Remedy for Metastasis?
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry