A look at clinical applications and developments of photodynamic therapy

Abstract

The battle against cancer is so important that all possible weapons must be considered. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic approach which has proved its capacity to give many excellent results, but it is having some difficulty in being imposed. The simplicity of the mechanism of action of this technique has been compromised by the multidisciplinary approach required for its implementation, which makes its adoption for more general use by health professionals difficult. This review aims to give a perspective of the performance of current approved PDT drugs, and their clinical applications against cancer.Basic investigation in PDT, particularly in the design of new sensitizers, is still ongoing, and needs to be further exploited. Emergent and diversified solutions with excellent results in pre-clinical phases are described to raise the multidisciplinary interest required to boost the clinical use of PDT.

Photodynamic therapy based on 5‐aminolevulinic acid and its use as an antimicrobial Agent

“…115 In addition, novel delivery systems, designed to improve the efficacy of topical ALA application have been developed, including: sprays, 116 microemulsions, 117,118 micro-needle arrays, 119,120 and purpose-designed dosage systems such as cream formulations containing penetration enhancers and/or iron chelators. 101,102,115 Creams based on ALA and several of its derivatives have gained marketing authorization in a number of countries around the world for the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancers 121,122 but none, as yet, are licensed for use in an antimicrobial context. 55 For the treatment of bodily areas less amenable to topical application, systems based on pressure sensitive patches and bioadhesive patches, which adhere to the skin, have recently been developed.…”

In Vitro Photodynamic Activity of 5,15‐bis(3‐Hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin and Its Halogenated Derivatives Against Cancer Cells

“…Filtration gives a white solid (13.0 g, 83%) that can be recrystallized from acetic acid. mp: >230°C; 1 The aldehyde (11) (7.0 g, 18.3 mmol) is added in small amounts to a solution of iodine (5 g, 19.6 mmol) and potassium iodide (5.0 g, 30 mmol) in 50 mL of water and the mixture stirred for 5 h. Aldehyde Synthesis of 2-chloro-5-methoxybenzaldehyde 12. To a solution of m-anisaldehyde (5 mL, 41 mmol) in methanol (50 mL), N-chlorosuccinimide (6.0 g, 45 mmol) was added.…”

“…The second fraction is a mixture of compounds with some amount of 12. After sublimation (40°C, 60 mm Hg) it has mp 55°C; 1 Synthesis of dipyrromethane 6. In a round-bottom flask pyrrole (20 mL, 288 mmol), dichloromethane (20 mL), acetic acid (20 mL) and trichloroacetic acid (0.3 g, 18 mmol) were added (37,38).…”

“…Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one of the most selective available treatments for oncological cancer diseases where the destruction of cancerous tissues occurs only if light and a photosensitizer (PS) reach the interior of cancer cells (1)(2)(3). With these two requirements, the therapeutic species, singlet oxygen, is locally generated and its effects confined to cancer tissues with minimal side effects.…”

Cell Death Pathways and Phthalocyanine as an Efficient Agent for Photodynamic Cancer Therapy

“…The action of ROS on HIF-1 changes the mitochondrial functions and leads to the modulation of the immune response. This altered immune function can enhance lifetime [39]. Patients with dysfunctional oxidases suffer from improved vulnerability to microbial infection.…”