Photosensitizer delivery for photodynamic therapy of choroidal neovascularization

The present review examines the importance of improving photosensitizer delivery for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in light of the clinical impact of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for CNV. An overview of the classes of available photosensitizers is provided and the properties governing photosensitizer uptake and circulation in serum are discussed. Current delivery systems, for example liposomal formulations as well as the use of the promising strategy of antibody targeted delivery as a strategy to improve PDT selectivity and efficiency for CNV treatment are described. A summary of the work using Verteporfin, tin ethyl purpurin and Lu-Tex--photosensitizers currently in clinical trials for CNV--is given.