Management of Cancer using Photodynamic Therapy: Advancement and Applications

Abstract

Photosensitizers (PS) are effective in treating a wide range of tumours using the timetested technique of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Light has been employed for centuries as a curative modality due to its efficacy. Since the effects of using certain dyes in conjunction with light irradiation were first proven around the turn of the 20th century, new PDT methods have been created. Current research focuses mostly on methods to lessen or eliminate unwanted side effects and enhance the drug's pharmacokinetic qualities. The FDA's decision to approve PDT as the first drug/device combo is not surprising, given the widespread curiosity and volume of published material on the subject. In PDT, light energy is combined with a PS to destroy tumour cells after its activation by light. In comparison to chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment, PDT often has fewer adverse effects and is safer. Several different PSs may be used to diagnose tumours, in addition to their therapeutic use. Photodynamic diagnostics (PDD) is the term used to describe methods like these. In this review, we present a high-level introduction to the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of PDT in cancer. The need of developing predictors to determine the response to therapy will be explored in relation to the assessment of PDT therapeutic effectiveness in the clinic. The use of PDT to treat different tumours will also be shown through case studies. The potential of combining PDT with other forms of treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy, to increase efficacy against tumours will also be highlighted. Results from PDT alone may not be as good as those from PDT combined with other therapies. It's also possible that lower dosages used in combination therapy will have fewer adverse effects and provide better outcomes than each individual treatment would. It is possible that the therapeutic uses of PDT might be broadened by a greater knowledge of the efficacy of PDT in a combination context in the clinic, as well as the optimisation of such complicated multimodal therapies.