Combinations of Photodynamic Therapy with Other Minimally Invasive Therapeutic Technologies against Cancer and Microbial Infections

Abstract

The rapid rise in research and development following the discovery of photodynamic therapy to establish novel photosensitizers and overcome the limitations of the technology soon after its clinical translation has given rise to a few significant milestones. These include several novel generations of photosensitizers, the widening of the scope of applications, leveraging of the offerings of nanotechnology for greater efficacy, selectivity for the disease over host tissue and cells, the advent of combination therapies with other similarly minimally invasive therapeutic technologies, the use of stimulus-responsive delivery and disease targeting, and greater penetration depth of the activation energy. Brought together, all these milestones have contributed to the significant enhancement of what is still arguably a novel technology. Yet the major applications of photodynamic therapy still remain firmly located in neoplasms, from where most of the new innovations appear to launch to other areas, such as microbial, fungal, viral, acne, wet age-related macular degeneration, atherosclerosis, psoriasis, environmental sanitization, pest control, and dermatology. Three main value propositions of combinations of photodynamic therapy include the synergistic and additive enhancement of efficacy, the relatively low emergence of resistance and its rapid development as a targeted and high-precision therapy. Combinations with established methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy and demonstrated applications in mop-up surgery promise to enhance these top three clinical tools. From published in vitro and preclinical studies, clinical trials and applications, and postclinical case studies, seven combinations with photodynamic therapy have become prominent research interests because they are potentially easily applied, showing enhanced efficacy, and are rapidly translating to the clinic. These include combinations with chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, magnetic hyperthermia, cold plasma therapy, sonodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. Photochemical internalization is a critical mechanism for some combinations.

Photodynamic Therapy for Eye, Ear, Laryngeal Area, and Nasal and Oral Cavity Diseases: A Review

“…One of the primary applications of photodynamic therapy in head and neck diseases is its role in the treatment of certain types of cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma [181][182][183]. In addition to cancer treatment, photodynamic therapy has shown promise in managing infectious diseases affecting the head and neck [184]. PDT can effectively combat microbial infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens [185].…”

Unlocking the Power of Light on the Skin: A Comprehensive Review on Photobiomodulation

“…(1) Multimodal functionality: PBM's newest equipment combines phototherapy with other physical therapies such as photothermal therapy, magnetic hyperthermia, cold plasma therapy, sonodynamic therapy, or radiotherapy, which completes the treatment possibilities [182]. (2) Miniaturization of light sources: Advances in light-emitting diode (LED) and laser diode technologies have enabled the miniaturization of light sources.…”

Bioinformatics analysis of photoexcited natural flavonoid glycosides as the inhibitors for oropharyngeal HPV oncoproteins

“…Additional side effects encompass nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, dental complications, loss of taste, and challenges in mouth opening, among various others (Nutting et al 2011 ; Irune et al 2014 ; Kocak-Uzel et al 2014 ; Timbang et al 2019 ). Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a promising emerging approach for treating diverse infectious diseases, including those attributed to HPV (Rosa and Silva 2014 ; Songca 2023 ). aPDT is a therapeutic technique that employs a photosensitizing agent called photosensitizer, light, and oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) capable of eliminating microbial cells.…”