Research progress of long-wavelength light-triggered photodynamic therapy for malignant tumor treatment

Malignant tumor is one of the most deadly diseases in the world. Researches focus on finding tumor therapy with better therapeutic efficiency and fewer side effects. Improving the therapeutic effect and reducing the side effects are the two hot topics in the field of malignant tumors treatment. As one of the new methods for non-invasive treatment of malignant tumors, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has the advantage of low cytoxicity and low drug resistance. PDT induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by irradiating light to specific sites, causing tumor cell apoptosis and necrosis, and achieving therapeutic purposes. Compared with the traditional PDT, long-wavelength light-triggered photodynamic therapy has deep tissue penetration and less cytoxicity. In this paper, the technical development of the long-wavelength light-triggered PDT was summarized including photosensitizers, two-photon activated PDT and upconversion PDT. The research progress of this therapeutic method in the treatment of malignant tumors was also reviewed. Key words: Tumor; Photodynamic therapy; Long-wavelength light; Nanomaterial