Abstract
The development of therapies which are selective for tumor tissues is one of the most important goals in anticancer research. Within this framework photochemotherapy can be considered a very promising approach. Its therapeutic effectiveness depends on two connected factors: drug and light. The drug (photosensitizer) is able to exert an antiproliferative effect only after interaction with suitable light. Both the photosensitizing drug and light alone are ineffective at doses used for these treatments. Nowadays, photochemotherapy is used in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and cavitary tumors. In the first case the photosensitizer is a psoralen derivative (P) and long-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UVA) is used (PUVA therapy). In the second case, the treatment with porphyrins, porphyrin-based and non porphyrin-based photosensitizers is followed by irradiation with 600-1000 nm light (photodynamic therapy, PDT). This review is concerned with PUVA and PDT treatments of cancer. The molecular mechanisms considered accountable for the photochemotherapeutic effects are discussed, the development of new chemical structures aimed at improving the effectiveness and / or overcoming some undesired side effects will also be reported. Moreover, some clinical applications will be described.
Keywords: Photochemotherapy, Cancer, ultraviolet radiation (UVA), PUVA therapy, porphyrins, photodynamic therapy, lupus vulgaris, Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma, Psoralen, 5-Methoxypsoral en (5-MOP)
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title: Photochemotherapy in the Treatment of Cancer
Volume: 8 Issue: 12
Author(s): Lisa Dalla Via and Sebastiano Marciani Magno
Affiliation:
Keywords: Photochemotherapy, Cancer, ultraviolet radiation (UVA), PUVA therapy, porphyrins, photodynamic therapy, lupus vulgaris, Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma, Psoralen, 5-Methoxypsoral en (5-MOP)
Abstract: The development of therapies which are selective for tumor tissues is one of the most important goals in anticancer research. Within this framework photochemotherapy can be considered a very promising approach. Its therapeutic effectiveness depends on two connected factors: drug and light. The drug (photosensitizer) is able to exert an antiproliferative effect only after interaction with suitable light. Both the photosensitizing drug and light alone are ineffective at doses used for these treatments. Nowadays, photochemotherapy is used in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and cavitary tumors. In the first case the photosensitizer is a psoralen derivative (P) and long-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UVA) is used (PUVA therapy). In the second case, the treatment with porphyrins, porphyrin-based and non porphyrin-based photosensitizers is followed by irradiation with 600-1000 nm light (photodynamic therapy, PDT). This review is concerned with PUVA and PDT treatments of cancer. The molecular mechanisms considered accountable for the photochemotherapeutic effects are discussed, the development of new chemical structures aimed at improving the effectiveness and / or overcoming some undesired side effects will also be reported. Moreover, some clinical applications will be described.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Via Dalla Lisa and Magno Marciani Sebastiano, Photochemotherapy in the Treatment of Cancer, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2001; 8 (12) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867013372076
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867013372076 |
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
-
The Control of Cell Cycle in Mouse Primordial Germ Cells: Old and New Players
Current Pharmaceutical Design Gene Therapy to Overcome Drug Resistance in Cancer: Targeting Key Regulators of the Apoptotic Pathway
Current Gene Therapy Systemic Approach to the Study of Complex Bone Disorders at the Whole- Genome Level
Current Genomics Novel Variants of DOCK8 Deficiency in a Case Series of Iranian Patients
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Effects of BCR-ABL Inhibitors on Anti-Tumor Immunity
Current Medicinal Chemistry Improving Cancer Therapeutics by Molecular Profiling
Current Drug Metabolism The Antinflammatory Effect of Alpha-MSH in Skin: A Promise for New Treatment Strategies
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry P2X7 Receptors: Channels, Pores and More
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets The Quinolone Family: From Antibacterial to Anticancer Agents
Current Medicinal Chemistry - Anti-Cancer Agents Nanomedicines Based Drug Delivery Systems for Anti-Cancer Targeting and Treatment
Current Drug Delivery The Biochemical Mechanisms of T-Cell Anergy
Current Immunology Reviews (Discontinued) <i>Anastatica hierochuntica </i>Extracts: Promising, Safe and Selective Anticancer Agents
The Natural Products Journal Lung Cancer Stem Cells: An Epigenetic Perspective
Current Cancer Drug Targets Chemical & RNAi Screening at MSKCC: A Collaborative Platform to Discover & Repurpose Drugs to Fight Disease
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening Curcumin Modulates Glycolytic Metabolism and Inflammatory Cytokines via Nrf 2 in Dalton’s Lymphoma Ascites Cells In Vivo
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Reviewing Colchicaceae Alkaloids – Perspectives of Evolution on Medicinal Chemistry
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Inflammation and Cancer: When NF-κB Amalgamates the Perilous Partnership
Current Cancer Drug Targets Cancer Prevention with Promising Natural Products: Mechanisms of Action and Molecular Targets
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry pH Stability Study of Lectin from Black Turtle Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) as Influenced by Guanidinium–HCl and Thermal Treatment
Protein & Peptide Letters New Developments In Treatment After Lung Transplantation
Current Pharmaceutical Design