Abstract
The combined use of a photosensitizing agent, light and dioxygen for the treatment of diseases has become known as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and was first discovered more than one hundred years ago. Over the years, PDT has proven its potential for the treatment of malignant and non-malignant lesions in addition to classical cancer therapy in numerous clinical studies, but application as a routine method is still limited. In this review, the development of modern PDT since the beginning of the twentieth century is briefly portrayed. The underlying mechanisms of phototoxicity are explained, and the requirements for ideal photosensitizers (PS) are underlined. Selected PS are introduced and examples of some of the many attempts made at the optimization of PDT by developing new PS with improved chemical and phototoxic properties, are reviewed. Promising 3rd generation PS are introduced and newer approaches to increasing tumor selectivity and efficacy of PDT, such as with nanoparticles, are discussed.
Keywords: Photodynamic therapy, photosensitizers, upconversion nanoparticles.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title:Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy: Photochemistry in the Service of Oncology
Volume: 22 Issue: 46
Author(s): Carsten Lange and Patrick J. Bednarski
Affiliation:
Keywords: Photodynamic therapy, photosensitizers, upconversion nanoparticles.
Abstract: The combined use of a photosensitizing agent, light and dioxygen for the treatment of diseases has become known as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and was first discovered more than one hundred years ago. Over the years, PDT has proven its potential for the treatment of malignant and non-malignant lesions in addition to classical cancer therapy in numerous clinical studies, but application as a routine method is still limited. In this review, the development of modern PDT since the beginning of the twentieth century is briefly portrayed. The underlying mechanisms of phototoxicity are explained, and the requirements for ideal photosensitizers (PS) are underlined. Selected PS are introduced and examples of some of the many attempts made at the optimization of PDT by developing new PS with improved chemical and phototoxic properties, are reviewed. Promising 3rd generation PS are introduced and newer approaches to increasing tumor selectivity and efficacy of PDT, such as with nanoparticles, are discussed.
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Cite this article as:
Lange Carsten and Bednarski J. Patrick, Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy: Photochemistry in the Service of Oncology, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2016; 22 (46) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612822666161124155344
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612822666161124155344 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
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